Letting go of the fear of vulnerability

Hi again,

I hope you are well.

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in leadership, but today’s story shows it’s quite the opposite.

One CEO I coached found that sharing his vulnerabilities didn’t diminish his authority—it humanized him, built trust, and ultimately strengthened his team.

Here’s how he approached it:

• He shared his doubts and uncertainties openly, which demonstrated authenticity.
• Showed empathy toward his team’s struggles, making them feel supported.
• Used his challenges to inspire resilience and a sense of shared humanity.

Your reflection: How might sharing your vulnerabilities help your team trust you more?