I coach a lot of leaders who initially state that vulnerability does not belong in the workplace. In fact, they believe that if they are vulnerable and share select personal things about themselves bad things could happen. What bad things? The information about them could backfire and be used against them or they could be seen as weak or incompetent. I’ve heard my clients say that their team will take advantage of them if they let their guard down. While all of these outcomes are possible, it often does not happen that way. Vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and courage.
Are you avoiding difficult conversations?
From time to time we all have difficult conversations that need to happen at work and home. You know, those conversations that you are procrastinating on and avoiding for various reasons. Maybe you feel like the other person is going to be angry and defensive, maybe the other person is great at talking circles around you or maybe they are highly sensitive and you don’t want to hurt their feelings. No matter what stressful thoughts you are having about these discussions there are some principles and skills that can make these talks go much smoother than you are envisioning.