Vulnerability Serves Your Career – Just Own It

Posted on February 10th, 2010 by Meghna Majmudar

meghnaisfabulousBeing at Ferrazzi Greenlight has given me such an appreciation for showing vulnerability in the workplace – e.g. sticking your neck out and admitting a weakness, without any idea what comes next. And unfortunately, it is so rarely done in an office environment.

Vulnerability is critical because, when shared appropriately, it helps you deepen social connections and get the help you may need.

Here are two critical ways to show vulnerability so that you are all the more powerful at work!

1. Share your fears honestly - without whining or being a victim. I used to whine and play the victim. Now when things get hard, I reach out and check with a colleague. I share my situation and ask, “Hey, am I looking at this the right way?” This way I'm not a victim of circumstance, I feel strong and proactive, and if I need it, I'm on my way to getting support I might not have found otherwise.

2. Ask for feedback. I used to think feedback was the second dirtiest f-word around. I always thought it was a euphemism for criticism. Cringe! And unfortunately, in many workplaces it is. But honestly, after Keith explained it as a “gift you want to give for the person’s success,” I was able to take feedback in stride. And now, it seems like I can’t get enough!

What I am trying to say is own your weaknesses at work. Be powerful with them, be the first to admit them, and what follows may surprise you.

What are your thoughts on showing vulnerability at work? How have you been powerful with your weakness?

Meghna heads up the High Impact Teams consulting practice at Ferrazzi Greenlight with Keith. She is based in New York City. If you have questions or want to increase your team's  impact, contact her at mmajmudar at ferrazzigreenlight dot com.

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9 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. totally agree....i read keith's book, 'never eat alone', which i think is absolutley phenomenal (i, like many, have read a tone of business books and never found anythng that you can directly apply in the real world - never eat alone one of the few that you can actually use day one)...at any rate, communicating your issues, challenges, opportunities, to peope who can make a difference in your life/career is something that i have found to be very useful. The 'listener' is obviously clearerer at what you are attempting to do, and thnks on how to 'connect the dots'...

    go on, take a risk...what you got to loose...life is short!

  2. Orlando Moreno says:
    February 10, 2010 at 5:46 am
    Reply

    Keith,

    I definetly agree with this and would like to demonstrate this in my work enviornment but have fears that other will take advantage of it. I recall from 5 Dysfuntions of a Team where Patrick shares the example of the leader of an organization admiting his vulnerability in front of his team to set that type of enviornment. I feel that it needs to be set at the top, like many others, I have seen people's credibiliy shot because they demonstrated vulnerability.

    In Hoc,

    Orlando

    • Orlando,
      That is a good point - you have to use judgment when sharing vulnerability. But, there are ways you can connect with your colleagues at this level without leaving all the responsibility to the leaders. This is what I mean by "owning" your vulnerability - when you talk about it, people know you are ready to take action or are in action. Not just complaining and victim mentality. Hope that helps!
      Meghna

  3. I was going through a tough time with personal finances. A former client called one day and asked how I was doing. I decided to be honest, and I laid out the situation. Turned out she had another side to her business I hadn't known about. And it was exactly what I needed.

    Showing vulnerability gave me access to the resources I needed to make a tough situation manageable.

  4. Years ago I would sit in meetings and pretend I understood something. This would always come back to bite me.

    Now I will gladly admit I need it explained in simpler terms. More often than not other people in the room nod their heads in agreement. Most often you are only saying what others are thinking.

    My favorite line is "okay now explain this to me as if I were 10 years old". LOL

    • Brad - great point. Showing this level of vulnerability helps people see you as human and allows for connection. How do people react when you ask them to explain as if you were a 10 yo?

  5. I agree. These are all very good points and an important outlook not just on how to work better, be a better manager, but also for life circumstances away from the office.
    I believe if you approach people and projects with these ideas in mind and looking to continually improve yourself, you perspective on thins will change in a positive manner.

    Well put!
    :D

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