“You see a white space and you go, no one else is going to do it. No one else believes in my dream as much as I believe in my dream, so every day I would wake up and I would do something to further my dream forward.” – Reese Witherspoon
Leadership landscape is changing.
Rapidly evolving business environment, digital transformation, global chain supplies, scarce talent, are all calling for a more humble and open form of leadership.
No one leader, no matter how competent, can drive the desired outcomes on his own.
One way to drive better results, is to become more vulnerable.
Why?
In addition to constantly changing business environment, employees want leaders who are open, authentic and able to connect on a human level.
The best of today’s CEOs testify, that to be an impactful leader, you have to move from control to collaboration and, from competition to co-creation.
To further your own dream, you need others to join in.
How?
Leadership is in essence a personal journey, so open up as a person: be willing to show more of yourself, and be vulnerable.
Vulnerability is the willingness to be touched by others’ emotions, perspectives and stories while also, allowing others to fully see you.
Research shows that the more opened, comfortable, and truthful you are, the more people respect, open up to you, and give you their valuable input.
Especially millennials expect their leaders to be more human and authentic.
So, if you want to lead into the future but avoid being yourself, you’re actually missing out on the opportunity to connect with others and drive better outcomes. Trying to be perfect all the time is not only impossible, but it also alienates you from the rest of your team.
In addition to connecting to others, allowing yourself to be vulnerable also helps you improve your emotional intelligence.
Vulnerability allows you to get in touch with your feelings and challenge your own patterns. You’re better able to recognise your triggers (emotional responses), and adjust your behaviours to respond productively.
Lastly, vulnerability allows you to be more comfortable in your skin, and focus on the job at hand.
It actually increases your executive presence.
Question for being more authentic/vulnerable:
1. Do you avoid doing things where you might fail?
2. What behaviours can you increase to reveal more of yourself?
3. How direct is your communication?
4. Are you emotionally distant, or warm towards your team?
5. How often do you genuinely ask others for their input?
But being vulnerable in the world of hierarchies, is a balancing act. You only gain respect by being authentic and competent.
To drive better results, open up as a person.
Source:
The Journey of Leadership. How CEOs Learn To The Lead From Inside Out. Maor Dana, Kaas Hans-Werner, Strovnik Kurt, Srinivasan Ramesh. Senior Partner, McKinsey. 2024. Portfolio | Penguin.
Image:
Actor and a business person, Reese Witherspoon, New York, 2025.