Friday Findings – Leadership Requires Vulnerability

Leadership is a contact sport. Being vulnerable is one of the ways to win. If you've ever been at the front of a team effort or leadership position, you know it takes strength and courage to step up and take responsibility. At the same time, though, having a successful leader also means being comfortable with vulnerability. All leaders need to open themselves up and be vulnerable if they want their teams to trust them – something which may not always come naturally. In this blog post, we'll discuss why effective leaders must embrace vulnerability as part of their leadership mindset. Understanding how important it is for both yourself and your team that you expose some vulnerabilities while still staying confident enough in yourself to lead can make all the difference between success and failure! As a leader, we often carry the burden of perfection. For decades, in my distinguished service as a Combat Infantryman, US Army Senior Drill Sergeant, and Instructor at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, this meant shouldering insurmountable responsibility and admitting to needing support was not an option. But in our current climate of economic hardship brought on by COVID-19, true leadership must include understanding that even leaders need help from peers and professionals if needed - be sure it's coming from trustworthy sources! We cannot afford for any further costs to pay for being too proud or trying to go at it alone. The last two years of COVID have taken a toll on the world economically, socially, and emotionally. Moving forward into 2023, as true leaders in family, business, or the public sector, we must recognize our need for support. Reach out to your peers, family, and friends. If needed, find professional support. Sadly, we must also be cautious with whom we are vulnerable because it may harm us. This video from Simon Sinek came across my Linkedin feed, which prompted me to create this post. There is value in it. I highly recommend that you watch it. If you don’t believe what I say, you might believe Simon Sinek. Do not overthink it. Remember to put your masks on first. Simon Sinek Linkedin Post Additional support: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ Till next time “Be Safe” Drill Santa Dan here inviting you to join me and my trusty assistants, Remington Reindeer and Evangeline Elf, for the upcoming holiday house fire safety boot camp. Click this link, and you will receive the first of many gifts, the holiday house fire safety boot camp e-book filled with valuable information.