Take the Risk of Being Real

Source: ConvergenceCoaching, LLC Inspired Ideas

The following includes excerpts, reproduced with permission, of a blog post by Jack Lee. Lee suggests that vulnerability is a key leadership trait and shares ideas from authors Patrick Lencioni and Stephen Covey about how leaders can gain the trust of coworkers and clients by being vulnerable.

In his book entitled Getting Naked, Patrick Lencioni offers the following ideas for being more vulnerable in our relationships:

• “Tell the kind truth” – be willing to put relationships at risk by delivering a difficult message with dignity and humanity.
• “Enter the danger”– step into uncomfortable situations that everyone else is afraid to address.
• “Ask dumb questions” – risk being perceived as unprepared by asking questions others are afraid to ask.
• “Make dumb suggestions” – don't hold back ideas to avoid being embarrassed.
• “Make everything about the client” – don't shift the attention to your own experience and knowledge.
• “Admit your weaknesses and limitations” – don't try to be something you're not.

In The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything, Stephen M.R. Covey details “13 Behaviors” that can build and restore trust. The following trust-building behaviors help complete what it means to be vulnerable:

• Talk straight – clients and people respect and trust you more when you do.
• Create transparency – people trust “real” leaders who admit their weaknesses, fears, and self-interest.
• Right wrongs – admitting your mistakes and saying “I'm sorry” builds trust.
• Get better – acknowledging your limitations and openness to continual improvement is to lead by example.
• Confront reality – willingness to talk about the “elephant in the room” increases trust.

For the complete blog post, read “Do You Have the Courage to be Vulnerable?”

From Convergence Coaching, LLC Inspired Ideas, August 15, 2012, http://blog.convergencecoaching.com.