#1 Courageous Vulnerability 

When I was young the my idea of a great leader was one of the manager on their white charger leading from the front full of ideas and actions with the team behind them – smashing through barriers and leading by the example of hard work and intellect. The all-knowing never tiring driving force that always won the day.

How wrong I was!

Sure leaders like that exist – but do they really lead?

They may be the face of the business, the poster person, the social media foot in the door, but the reality can be very different.

The best leaders are the ones in the middle of the pack, guiding the identified talent, taking time to understand their team – listening – thinking – planning – and encouraging.

But to be allowed into that pack, to be allowed to be that guiding force, to be given the subliminal permission of a group to lead them takes a special something.

That something…VULNERABILITY!

Easy to say but difficult for some to do.

Being vulnerable takes courage. To be truly vulnerable, to show your feelings, your hopes, your worries, takes a leap of faith…Will I be seen as weak? Will someone seen as stronger take my place? Will it be used against me?

The simple answer is that none of these are true… in fact the opposite occurs.

Vulnerability comes from the Latin word for “wound,” vulnus. Vulnerability is the state of being open to injury, or appearing as if you are.

When one is vulnerable one develops a more trusting relationship with the one you are vulnerable to.

That trust allows for healthy conflict which in turn leads to commitment, accountability and ultimately, results.

Vulnerability is a true sign of courage. Take a moment to consider the people you know. Ask yourself which of those relationships you truly value and then ask yourself how vulnerable are they with me?

Be courageous and allow yourself to be vulnerable…and watch what happens.

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Source Patrick Lencioni – 5 Dysfunction’s of a Team