Vulnerability at Work
In the professional realm, vulnerability often seems at odds with the need to project competence and strength. Many of us hesitate to show vulnerability in the workplace, fearing it may be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, this reluctance can inadvertently contribute to a culture of inauthenticity and hinder effective communication, collaboration, and availability of support within teams.
At its essence, vulnerability involves being genuine and transparent about our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. Contrary to common misconceptions, vulnerability in the workplace extends beyond sharing personal hardships; it encompasses a range of actions, from admitting mistakes and seeking assistance to expressing differing opinions and challenging the status quo.
Consider the following examples of vulnerability in the workplace, how many of these have you engaged in over the past week? How many have you avoided?
- Connecting with your team
- Contributing to a discussion
- Clarifying expectations
- Interacting with other people
- Accepting more responsibility
- Trying something new
- Offering a different point of view
- Admitting something you don’t know
- Asking for help
- Being your authentic self
- Receiving feedback
- Raising a concern
- Asking for more resources
- Sharing something personal
- Challenging the way things are done
- Pointing out a mistake
- Expressing disagreement
- Expressing your emotions
- Making a mistake
- Giving an incorrect answer
Embracing vulnerability fosters a culture of authenticity and trust within teams. It involves recognising and responding to what Brene Brown notes as “bids for connection” — moments when individuals express vulnerability or seek support. When this bid for connection is granted and validated, we start forming security in the relationships we have at work and overtime, these relationships form the culture that we work in each day.
Recognising and responding to vulnerability
When someone makes a bid for connection, or is vulnerable, it's essential to respond with empathy, respect, and support. What we perceive as easy might be considered highly vulnerable for someone else. This is known as the Ladder of Vulnerability. Below are some tips for effectively responding to others' vulnerability in the workplace to help create an inclusive and growth focused environment:
- Listen actively without judgment.
- Validate their experience and acknowledge their courage.
- Offer support and inquire about their needs.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect their privacy.
- Make space for further discussion if immediate conversation isn't possible.
- Follow up to ensure ongoing support and connection.
In a world that often glorifies perfection and invulnerability, embracing vulnerability can be a transformative force in the workplace. By nurturing a culture of openness and support, organisations can empower employees to be their authentic selves, take risks, and collaborate more effectively. Make it your challenge for the week to engage in 2 or more actions of vulnerability and notice the impact it has on your experience at work.
Breaking barriers to vulnerability in your workplace
Our team performance workshops and culture optimisation programs at Veraison are a great way to break through barriers that prevent vulnerability in the workplace. If you want to explore how our expertise can enable a more connected and higher performing team for you, reach out to our team today.