What does “preemptive vulnerability” mean, why is it essential in leadership, and how can it build trust within a team?

In episode 86 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick and Cody explore the concept of "preemptive vulnerability"—the practice of leading with humility before you're forced to. They reflect on how leaders can build deeper trust and connection by proactively admitting weaknesses, asking for help, and owning mistakes. With real-life examples and signature humor, they unpack how this small but courageous step can change everything for teams.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:36) Why Vulnerability Matters More Than Ever

* How some leaders wait for a fall from grace before showing humility.

* Vulnerability, when modeled early, builds lasting trust and safety.

(06:33) The Power of Going First

* Why we appreciate leaders who admit flaws before they’re exposed.

(13:12) The Psychology Behind Vulnerability in Leadership

* Pat compares preemptive vulnerability to a “hack” that bypasses defensiveness.

* Leaders who go first create a ripple effect across their teams.

(20:14) Real-World Examples

* Pat and Cody talk about CEOs who earned loyalty by owning their shortcomings early.

(27:30) What You Can Do Today

* Simple starting points for practicing preemptive vulnerability.

This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.

The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment

Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).

Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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