Spell It: Should managers show their vulnerability at work?
We learn about a management technique that's surprisingly effective
As a leader or manager in your workplace, do you feel deeply hesitant when it comes to showing any vulnerability?
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where we learn how ‘torn’ many managers feel when they have to try modelling their vulnerability without appearing weak.
Using your vulnerability to your advantage has actually been shown to work better as a leadership style than exerting dominance, in high-change environments, according to an April 2015 study in the US-based Academy of Management Journal. In fact, according to a report in US-based business news website Harvard Business Review (HBR), pushing down their uncertainty and hiding their limitations is also likely why many leaders have the psychological experience of feeling like a fraud in some aspects of their life – the imposter syndrome.
With the pressure to always be a great leader who doesn’t appear weak or lack confidence, how does one strike the right balance? Here are two ways, according to HBR.
First, normalise learning. Oftentimes, when you think you’re failing, you’re actually learning. So, it’s important to adjust your self-talk and the language you use with yourself and your team – it’s important to know that learning comes only with practice.
When you feel vulnerable and are going through a change at work, model to your team that it’s human and normal to learn and make mistakes… the key is to keep trying until you succeed.
Next, share vital moments. Create lasting improvements in your team’s mindset by sharing your personal developmental journey.
Leaders who reveal their failures are seen as more approachable and humbler, according to a 2019 study in the US-based Journal of Experimental Psychology. They also send out the signal that they are not insecure, or threatened by feedback. In turn, with time, such interactions help employees become more comfortable with speaking up.
What do you think of showing vulnerability as a leader? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.