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
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Flying High Walking the Coach Walk: The Third Time is Truly the Charm!
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[image: woman walking on beach]For those who’ve never heard of the
expression, “The third time’s the charm” speaks to staying the course with
something you...
7 years ago
Thanks Wendy for presenting this challenge. I am in the process of reading Breene Brown's, Daring Greatly [/I highly recommend this reading] and your thoughts are timely, ////I think so many of us, especially women, try to present out best side. At home and at work and in our volunteer efforts and this may not always be the honest side. Bringing our truth to our experiences is risky but I, like you, believe it also allows for more open discussions, deeper connections and bigger insights. Thanks for your contributions to ICF Chicago,
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Marggie Paris, LSW BCC
Life and Recovery Coach