Vulnerability is not weakness but a source of strength and connection that should be embraced in the workplace.
Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and embracing it allows for personal and professional growth, learning, and the courage to take on new challenges.
Deep dives
The Importance of Vulnerability at Work
Vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness, causing people to put on armor and hide their true selves, especially in the workplace. However, vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a source of strength and connection. The myth that vulnerability is weak must be dispelled. Without vulnerability, there can be no courage. Armor is often worn at work due to low trust and confidence, leading to behaviors like cynicism and perfectionism. It is crucial to challenge this belief and create a workplace culture that embraces vulnerability.
Letting Go of Performance as Armor
Many people, especially those who have experienced rejection or feelings of inadequacy, tend to use performance and expertise as armor to protect themselves from further hurt or judgment. This mindset leads to constantly seeking excellence and avoiding risks or challenges. However, this approach prevents personal growth, learning, and the possibility of making meaningful contributions. Letting go of this performance-based armor and embracing vulnerability allows for true growth, learning, and the courage to take on new challenges, even if failure is a possibility.
The Connection Between Gender and Vulnerability
There is a societal expectation that vulnerability is more acceptable and easier for women to embrace compared to men. Masculinity norms often discourage vulnerability, instilling the belief that it is a sign of weakness. On the other hand, femininity norms primarily focus on the need for perfection, avoiding any perception of imperfection. Both men and women struggle with vulnerability due to the fear of shame. Overcoming this fear and embracing vulnerability requires challenging these societal norms and recognizing that vulnerability is essential for personal and professional growth.
Balancing Vulnerability and Boundaries
Vulnerability should not be equated with oversharing or disclosing every aspect of one's life. It is important to recognize that vulnerability with appropriate boundaries is true vulnerability. Building trust and psychological safety within a team involves understanding and respecting individual boundaries when it comes to sharing emotions and personal experiences. Team members should feel comfortable discussing their boundaries and expressing what types of support they need from others. Authenticity lies in finding a balance between being vulnerable and maintaining personal privacy.
We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why—and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work—and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work.
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