Leadership Experiment Update 2

This week was a bit of a slower week. A number of people that usually participate in the channel were out of town. Even still, we had some decent thoughts on these two articles: Every Day We Must Sweep and From Engineer to Manager: keeping your technical skills. I'd like to share one observation I made:

Be Vulnerable


Often times as leaders we think we need to appear invincible. For some reason we think in order to lead, we can't show weaknesses. While that may be a good mindset to have towards an opposing force in war, it doesn't work well towards those you lead.

If you want those you lead to follow you, you need to be vulnerable at times. You need to show them your weaknesses and how you overcame them or how you're overcoming them. This doesn't mean you need to be publicizing your weaknesses, but it could mean recognizing them when they come up naturally or sharing stories about them while mentoring and coaching those you lead.

Why Be Vulnerable?


So, why should a leader be vulnerable at times to those they lead? I think there are at least a few reasons. First, it makes you more approachable. People will be able to relate to you better, see you as a human, and be more willing to talk with you. Second, it helps the leader teach their team. We're all going through life and through our careers together. Sharing learning opportunities can help others along their paths. Third, it invites the team to recognize their weaknesses. This can help the team know when to ask for help sooner which can help them improve quicker if they feel they're safe to be imperfect.


Those are my thoughts for this week. I look forward to continuing to learn more as I continue this effort.

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