Understanding Vulnerability and Accountability in Leadership

Kim and Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability, discuss the power of vulnerability in leadership and its role in building trust and driving performance. They explore the common misconceptions about vulnerability, the balance between competence and connection, and how to navigate the fine line between strength and openness. Jacob shares stories of successful and failed leadership, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right moments to be vulnerable. The conversation also touches on how to foster psychological safety, deal with workplace bullies, and follow with vulnerability in challenging environments. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.

Episode Links:

• Transcript
• Denial: Why Business Leaders Fail to Look Facts in the Face—and What to Do About It | Richard Tedlow
• Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization | Jacob Morgan
• Performance Improvement Plans | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 20
• What Does Managing Out Mean? | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 6 
• Beware The Fundamental Attribution Error | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 8
• How To Give Candid Feedback Using The CORE Method | Radical Candor
• 5 Proven Ways Checks And Balances In Management Bolster Teams | Radical Candor
• Follow these 4 steps to create psychological safety in your teams | Fast Company
• Shrill | Lindy West
• The Vulnerable Leader Equation: A critical leadership development model for successful change management | HRD
• Jacob MorganFortune lists tough bosses | UPI Archives
• Can Workplaces Have Too Much Psychological Safety? | HBR

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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy and Kim introduce guest Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability. 

(00:00:38) Defining Vulnerability in Leadership
The concept of vulnerability in leadership and how it can be misinterpreted.
(00:03:45) Denial in Leadership
How denial impacts leadership and the challenges leaders face when addressing mistakes.
(00:06:48) Exploiting Vulnerability
An example of a leader who used an exployee’s vulnerability against them.
(00:10:41) Self-Compassion in Leadership
The need for self-compassion, particularly when vulnerability is exploited.
(00:12:46) Vulnerability in Uncertain Situations
A step-by-step approach to assessing when and how to display vulnerability at work.
(00:18:36) Knowing Who to Trust
How leaders and employees can discern when it’s appropriate to be vulnerable.
(00:21:11) Effective Leadership in Times of Crisis
A success story about Fleetwood Grobler’s leadership during a financial crisis at Sasol.
(00:25:28) Dealing with Workplace Bullies
The complexities of vulnerability when facing workplace bullying.
(00:33:03) Following with Vulnerability
Tips on how to assertively respond to challenging leaders while maintaining professionalism.
(00:37:18) Fundamental Attribution Error
The importance of not jumping to conclusions about people's intentions.
(00:43:22) Creating Psychological Safety
The balance between accountability and psychological safety.
(00:45:37) Conclusion

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