Leaders Show Vulnerability in Times of Uncertainty

As a leader, one simple way you can be more inclusive in times of uncertainty is to show vulnerability.

A strategic way to do that is to share personal stories in your communications to your team, company, clients, and customers.

Stories, when told well, build trust and connection.

Stories illuminate our common humanity.

Stories build community across diverse backgrounds because the personal is universal.

The feelings and emotions you're experiencing? I'm experiencing them too.

If I feel like you get me, and genuinely care about my well-being, I'll be a lot more forgiving of your mistakes and flaws. 

If you can tap into how we're more similar than different, I will have more confidence in, and commitment to, our shared goals. 

When you show public vulnerability, when you reveal who you are, when you are accessible and relatable, when you convince me that you're a real human being with real emotions and doubts and uncertainties and hopes and dreams, then I'm more likely to believe what you say.

If you share what personally inspires and motivates you, I will be more inspired and motivated by you.

On the other hand, if you go all robotic and drop corporate jargon filled with trite platitudes, I'm going to think you're a dick and ignore everything you say.

Your choice.