Leaders Are Vulnerable
My nerves were racing. I could feel my heart beating in my chest.
What’s going on with me? As I was about to lead a process group with some local counselors and coaches. I have led groups like this for years. But today, I was feeling anxious. I had some odd thoughts…
“What if I sound stupid?”
“What if the other professionals do not accept me?”
“What if they don’t desire the same mutual relationship I’m pursuing?
As a leader, what do you do when you experience anxiety about stepping out in a new initiative with others?
Be Vulnerable
Last November, I reached out to a group of local counselors and coaches and asked if we could meet regularly to process our life (the good and the bad). I wanted to create a safe place for professionals to share the BS of their life and hear feedback from others and experience their validation.
Driving to the first meeting, that I would lead, I could feel my anxiety build up. I wanted to sound like an EXPERT. But God whispered in my spirit, “be vulnerable.”
“People don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care.” Theodore Roosevelt
When the meeting began, I jumped right in and shared how nervous I was and that I was second-guessing myself about how to start. It was just what was needed, the others thanked me for my vulnerability, and they too shared at a heart level.
Being vulnerable opens a space for others to feel safe.
Skill to Learn
This week share something vulnerable with a trusted friend. Prepare your friend with what you will be sharing by letting them know you are not looking for them to FIX your problem – you want them to listen to you. If this is something you struggle with, consider meeting with a life coach to learn the skills of being vulnerable in an appropriate way.
NOTES:
Brown, Brene (2018), Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. Random House Publishing
Cloud, Dr. Henry (2009). Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps To A Happier, Healthier You. Zondervan Publishing.
Cloud, Dr. Henry (2006, January). Integrity, The Courage To Face The Demands Of Reality. Harper-Collins Publishing.
James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (2006). A Leader’s Legacy. Jossey-Bass Publishing.
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