President's Letter October 2013

Professional Vulnerability   I was recently asked by an organizational leader to share my thoughts about the appropriateness of vulnerability in the workplace. He was going to address an audience of 300 leaders within his org and wanted to hear additional perspectives on the topic. My “top of mind” response was to share about a time when I saw professional vulnerability in action. I was in a leadership program and one of the co-leaders would consistently be transparent about what he was doing and why. It was refreshing to be invited inside his head – and the way it was done was for the benefit of the program and students. The impact was to build trust quickly and deeply between students and within the program experience.   Since that conversation, I was personally challenged to look at how I am vulnerable in my professional settings…for me these include the ICF Chicago board, clients, potential clients, other creative partnerships, and the communities I’m a part of as a leader, peer and/or participant. What started to show up were opportunities for me to bring my voice when it was very uncomfortable and when it was risky.   Ouch! I have to say I’ve been challenged to be vulnerable so much in the last couple weeks it’s starting to feel more “normal” than not. I heard it described recently as “emotional leadership.” Being willing to speak to the raw truth and to speak from my raw truth in a situation while not placing blame and fully taking responsibility for next steps. While I have had to deal with the “I’m a victim of circumstance” gremlin several times, in the process my own transparency about what I’m experiencing, what I need, and what is working or not working is getting more air time. I’ve also learned I have to live from this place if I REALLY want my breakthrough goals to be accomplished.    So, what comes up for you when you read this story? If you have not had the direct invitation recently to let yourself live and speak from this place of vulnerability in your professional life, consider this your invitation. What’s at stake for you?   It is worth it!   Wendy Balman, CPCC, ACC ICF Chicago President