Sparks: Panic Attacks and Vulnerability: How I Learned That Vulnerable Leadership Can Be a Superpower

How does vulnerability fit into leadership? Being vulnerable as a leader is tricky, but there’s a clear difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability. In today’s Leadership Spark, I share how my own journey with panic attacks reshaped my understanding of vulnerability. Through interviews with executives, I found that while vulnerability in personal life is crucial, in the workplace it’s a different story. Many executives ask if they should project unwavering confidence, or share their struggles? The answer is both! The key is not just exposing your weaknesses but demonstrating how you’re closing the gaps—combining vulnerability with action, as shown by examples from leaders like Fleetwood Grobler and Hollis Harris. Vulnerability alone can be risky, but combine it with action, and you’ve got leadership gold. I also share stories from top executives that illustrate how leading with vulnerability makes all the difference in building trust and resilience.

 

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