💬 The Role of Vulnerability in Authentic Leadership — A Personal Reflection
Leadership isn’t just about guiding a team toward goals. It’s about being human with the people you lead. And that starts with vulnerability.
I believe vulnerability is the bridge between a leader and their team. But it’s not something that can be forced. A person can only be vulnerable when they feel safe, when they feel seen, and when they feel connected. That connection doesn’t come from authority — it comes from compassion.
☕ Leadership Happens at the Coffee Table
Some of the most meaningful leadership moments don’t happen in boardrooms or during performance reviews. They happen at the coffee table. Over lunch. In those casual conversations where a team member feels they can open up — not just about work, but about life.
That’s when leadership becomes real. When a leader listens without judgment. When they ask, “How are you really doing?” and mean it. When they don’t just lead tasks — they lead people.
🎯 Not Every Leader Wears the Hat of Compassion
Let’s be honest — not every leader can wear that hat. It’s not about charisma or confidence. It’s about presence. It’s about being the kind of person your team can turn to when they’re lost, when they need guidance, or when they just need someone to sit with them in silence.
True leadership is when your team knows they can come to you — not just with ideas, but with doubts, fears, and even failures. And they know they won’t be judged. They’ll be supported.
🌱 Vulnerability Is a Strength, Not a Flaw
There’s a myth that leaders have to be invincible. That showing emotion or uncertainty is a sign of weakness. I disagree. Vulnerability is strength. It’s the courage to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here with you.” It’s the humility to admit mistakes and the wisdom to learn from them.
When a leader is vulnerable, it gives permission for others to be real too. And that’s when trust is built. That’s when teams thrive.
🧭 Leading to Lift
The best leaders don’t lead to be admired. They lead to lift others up. They become mentors, guides, and sometimes even quiet anchors in moments of chaos. They don’t just shape strategy — they shape culture.
And that culture is built on openness, empathy, and the kind of vulnerability that says, “We’re in this together.
-Rachana Bahel
