Emotional vulnerability makes high-quality relationships at work possible. When we’ve built trust and understanding with colleagues, we’re more likely to be productive and engaged. But research suggests not all women feel that they can be vulnerable enough to develop these relationships.

This episode continues our exploration of how women approach sisterhood at the office (see “Sisterhood Is Scarce” and “Sisterhood Is Power” from season two for previous discussions). We talk with Beth Livingston and Tina Opie about takeaways from their recent study of workplace relationships.

Our HBR reading list:

• “Survey: Tell Us About Your Workplace Relationships,” by Tina R. Opie and Beth A. Livingston
• “Our Biases Undermine Our Colleagues’ Attempts to Be Authentic,” by Tina R. Opie and R. Edward Freeman
• “Don’t Underestimate the Power of Women Supporting Each Other at Work,” by Anne Welsh McNulty

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Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.