Years ago, I was told by a woman in a leadership position to be ‘vulnerable’ because not everyone could work in the way I did/could. I was in my mid 20s at the time and a bit of a cocky so and so… I was still liked by my peers (or at least I think I was!) but I realise now that I had a ‘I can do it all, why can’t you?’ attitude. Which isn’t helpful and actually quite judgemental.
Back then I thought to be vulnerable was to be weak. I couldn’t understand why I was being told to be vulnerable. I just didn’t get it. Surely as an employer they’d want me and my colleagues to be working at our best?!
10 years on I get it.
I have found that being vulnerable has led to great working relationships and friendships, because having that openness creates trust, rapport and empathy in a way that nothing else does.
There are two articles I want to share from The School of Life about vulnerability that will help you get it too… that is, if you haven’t got it already! And even if you have got it, they’re still a good read!
First one titled Leaning into Vulnerability. Favourite line:
“…that our connection with those around us was significantly deepened by sharing more of the turmoil of our inner lives – and most unexpectedly of all, that the revelation of our vulnerability could make us appear stronger rather than weaker in the eyes of others.“
https://www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/leaning-in-to-vulnerability/
Second one titled Should We Play it Cool When We Like Someone? Before I share my favourite line from this, I want to provide some context – given the title. So, I have done (and continue to do) a LOT of reading into self development both professionally and personally. I had read a recommended book by The School Of Life called How to Overcome Your Childhood – the latest bonus episode of my podcast discusses three key points made in said book. I then came across this article. The title grabbed my attention because I had been thinking about dating for quite some time. I recently opened my mind to using a dating app… that’s a whole other story right there! Anyway, when I read this, it was like an epiphany – this term ‘Strong Vulnerability’ seemed to sum up my approach in life and some of what is written in this article can be applied to any relationship, whether it be at work or at home. Now for the favourite line:
“The strongly vulnerable person is a diplomat of the emotions who manages carefully to unite on the one hand self-confidence and independence and on the other, a capacity for closeness, self-revelation and honesty.”
https://www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/should-we-play-it-cool-when-we-like-someone/
Hope you like these reads as much as I did! Let me know by dropping a comment below 👇🏼
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