Leading Authentically and Embracing Vulnerability

Jerry Justice
Feb 21
4 min read

Business colleagues gathered around a table conducting a meetin

Leadership has traditionally been associated with strength, decisiveness, and unwavering confidence. While these traits are undoubtedly valuable, a growing body of research and real-world examples suggest that vulnerability is just as essential—if not more so—for effective leadership. In today’s workplace, where employees crave authenticity and deeper connections, leaders who embrace vulnerability foster trust, cultivate stronger teams, and drive organizational success.

The Power of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is rooted in transparency, honesty, and a willingness to show up as one's true self—flaws, uncertainties, and all. Leaders who embrace vulnerability acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers, that they too experience setbacks, and that growth is a continuous process. Rather than eroding confidence, this openness strengthens relationships and creates an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, voice their ideas, and contribute fully.

Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor who has extensively studied courage and vulnerability, states:"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

This truth resonates deeply in leadership. Leaders who are willing to be vulnerable show that success is not about perfection but about persistence, resilience, and learning from failures. When leaders model this behavior, they set the stage for innovation and a workplace culture that thrives on trust.

Why Vulnerability Strengthens Teams and Organizations

In a fast-changing world, where uncertainty is inevitable, leaders who try to project an image of infallibility often create distance between themselves and their teams. Employees quickly see through inauthenticity, and when leaders refuse to acknowledge their struggles, it stifles open communication. In contrast, vulnerability fosters:

Stronger Trust and Psychological Safety – When leaders are open about their challenges and uncertainties, they signal to employees that it’s safe to do the same. This psychological safety encourages teams to share ideas, voice concerns, and work collaboratively to solve problems. Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, a leading expert in psychological safety, notes that teams perform better when they know they won’t be punished for making mistakes.
Deeper Employee Engagement and Loyalty – Employees are more likely to be engaged and committed to an organization when they feel a genuine connection with leadership. Vulnerability humanizes leaders, making them more relatable and approachable. It also demonstrates a leader’s investment in their team’s growth rather than just bottom-line outcomes.
Stronger Organizational Resilience – In times of crisis, leaders who embrace vulnerability and communicate openly with their teams build resilience. Instead of hiding behind corporate jargon or false bravado, they acknowledge difficulties, involve their teams in problem-solving, and reinforce a shared sense of purpose. This kind of leadership fosters adaptability and perseverance.

As Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, puts it:"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."

Leaders who are vulnerable and authentic demonstrate care for their teams by creating spaces where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered.

What Vulnerability in Leadership Looks Like

Vulnerability in leadership does not mean oversharing personal struggles or seeking validation from employees. Instead, it means:

Owning Mistakes and Taking Responsibility – Admitting when things go wrong, rather than blaming others, demonstrates accountability and builds credibility.
Asking for Help and Seeking Input – Leaders who encourage collaboration and listen to their teams foster innovation and collective problem-solving.
Admitting Uncertainty but Showing Commitment – It’s okay to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I believe in this team’s ability to find the best path forward.”
Sharing Personal Stories of Growth – Leaders who share how they overcame challenges inspire others to do the same.
Giving Honest, Constructive Feedback – A leader who is vulnerable enough to have difficult conversations with compassion builds trust and helps employees grow.

How to Determine Whether a Leader Is Seen as Authentic

Leaders may believe they are authentic, but how can they be sure their teams see them that way? Here are a few key indicators:

Open Communication – Do team members feel comfortable speaking candidly with their leader? Are they willing to admit mistakes or ask for help without fear?
Employee Willingness to Take Risks – In psychologically safe environments led by authentic leaders, employees take calculated risks and share innovative ideas without fear of punishment.
Team Engagement and Morale – Authentic leadership fosters a culture where employees feel motivated and connected to the organization’s mission. High engagement and low turnover often signal that a leader’s authenticity resonates.
Feedback and 360-Degree Reviews – Leaders who seek feedback from peers and employees—and act on it—demonstrate humility and a commitment to growth.
Reactions in Challenging Times – When a leader faces adversity, do employees rally behind them, or do they disengage? The response often reveals how much trust and authenticity have been established.

Leadership expert Bill George reinforces this idea:"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen."

Embracing Vulnerability as a Strength

While some leaders may fear that showing vulnerability makes them appear weak, the reality is quite the opposite. It takes tremendous courage to lead with authenticity. By embracing vulnerability, leaders build trust, encourage growth, and create environments where teams flourish.

Organizations that cultivate cultures of authenticity and openness are better positioned for long-term success. Leaders who have the courage to be vulnerable inspire their teams to take ownership, collaborate meaningfully, and push beyond their limits.

In the words of leadership coach John C. Maxwell:"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision."

By embracing authenticity and vulnerability, leaders don’t just earn respect—they create a legacy of trust, growth, and success.

Inspiring Insights

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." – Benjamin Disraeli, Former British Prime Minister
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." – Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Essayist and Poet