Recently I spoke at a couple of different conferences and one of the biggest takeaways I heard from people that attended was that they enjoyed speakers who were authentic and vulnerable.

Some of us were taught that being vulnerable makes you look weak. Or, that if you become more vulnerable and share more of yourself you will lose friends, lose your job, lose clients, or won’t be a great leader.

Over the past 18 years in business I’ve learned that couldn’t be further from the truth. Vulnerability is the emotion we experience when we feel uncertain, at risk or exposed. It’s having the courage to “show up” when we don’t know the outcomes.

This blog will dispel the myths many of us have grown up with and share why it’s important to become more vulnerable.

5 BENEFITS TO BECOMING MORE VULNERABLE

 

1.  PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW THE “REAL YOU”

It’s not about being the most polished at your craft or your business or wearing the best outfit. Perception can create perceived value; however, your personality and character are what’s going to create a deeper bond with someone. People want to know the “real you,” not just the social media image you portray. They want to know you are human with real struggles and triumphs. Authenticity will attract people to you especially through kindness that will make you approachable. Developing a vulnerable attitude also encourages other to be open and more accepting themselves.

 

2. YOU WILL ATTRACT THE RIGHT PEOPLE INTO YOUR LIFE

If you share something special with someone and you feel judgment coming from them or they start to distance themselves from you, you know that this may be a teaching moment for yourself. Practicing discernment will help you be wise with your thoughts and words. People will always show you where they stand with you, and then you get to discern whether you want to keep this person close or release them with love. However, when you do feel safe to share vulnerably with someone and they listen without judgment, trust that a beautiful friendship could blossom. It’s important to have positive and supportive people-of-character surrounding you and your openness, will attract a greater community of friends and cheerleaders into you life.

 

3. PEOPLE CRAVE CONNECTION ABOVE ALL ELSE

We all want to be liked, loved and appreciated. When you vulnerably share your experiences with someone, it helps them learn your values and perceptions of the world. People then feel safe to also share their experiences in an effort to bond with you. Commonalities and shared experiences help two people bond and build instant trust. Even in the workplace, you must build a connection with the people you lead. The old leadership model of being in control and not caring about the people under you isn’t working anymore. It’s important that leaders now invest time in understanding people’s fears, feelings and what motivates them.

 

4. VULNERABILITY KEEPS YOU HEALTHY

You don’t need to ever feel bad about shedding a tear – you are human. Expressing emotions allows you to heal. Feel to heal. Always having a smile on our faces, even at work, isn’t authentic. People crave authenticity. As my client came to realize and shared last week, “It takes a lot more effort to hold in my emotions than to experience them.” You can gain more energy back in your physical body (and eradicate sickness from your body) by accepting your feelings and allowing them to flow.

 

5. BEING VULNERABLE ALLOWS YOU ACCEPT YOUR PERCEIVED WEAKNESSES

None of us are good at everything. However, learning to accept your perceived weaknesses without judgment is a powerful way to build self-esteem and self-belief. Embrace the things you feel are weird or different. These are the very things that make you unique and stand out from the crowd. And in business, there are always ways to outsource the practical things that aren’t in your wheelhouse.

 

We want to hear from you, what can you put into practice today?  Comment below…

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