Combining vulnerability together with leadership is probably one of the most challenging things to do for a leader.

While, vulnerability is what makes us “human” and promotes our “authenticity” (https://www.asracoach.com/vulnerability-and-the-power-of-authenticity/), it may also be seen as  handing  over power.

Indeed by being vulnerable, we are putting others in the know of something that make us uncomfortable.

This may make us feel that we are losing of our status. We might feel shame and wonder if we are not losing both our credibility and our authority as a leader.

Now this type of thinking would mostly be true if we would consider that leadership thrives around ego, and that the only way of holding on to leadership would be through full control of power.

While this scheme might have been true at some point in history and used under some political or cultural regimes, today we know that when teams observe their leader, they are looking beyond the individual. What they mostly care about is leadership effectiveness.

In other words, it doesn’t matter that you are demonstrating vulnerability (by for example saying that you do not know something or that you are affected by something going on), what matters is how you will react and how effective you will be in the resolution of the matter.  

To help you get some perspective, leadership effectiveness is supported by:

• How you are relating to others as a leader ? Are you fostering team play ? Mentoring and developing your teams ? Promoting collaboration ? Demonstrating compassion ?
• How focused you are on the whole system improvement and community welfare ?
• How visionary, authentic, decisive you are ?
• How composed, present , resilient and balanced you are ?
• How honest, fair and person of integrity you are ?
• How much you deliver results ?

Always remember that strong Leadership is NOT A POWER game, even if you get caught in internal political challenges. 

Vulnerability doesn’t affect how good or strong you are as a leader. 

Strong Leadership is about how effective you are in your response.