Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership
We, as humans, are capable of inflicting hurt or harm on another. Thus, in leadership, it is important to understand that vulnerability exists in our natural world (world leadership). Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vulnerability as capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. Our acceptance of this responsibility is meant to improve personal leadership skills. Unfortunately, too many congregants’ view vulnerability as weakness.
Conversely, some of the most influential people, in the business, believe that vulnerability enhances their relationships with others as a leader. Businesses encourage leaders to distinguish themselves from others. In fact, leadership is to highlight these as distinguishing traits for building relationships. For example, recent studies show that vulnerability in leadership creates (1) psychological safety, (2) increases employee engagement, and (3) accelerates innovation (Brené Brown). Predominately, these studies relate mostly to organizational leadership style, i.e., authentic leadership and less about ministerial leadership. Authentic leadership, by definition, is a leadership style that is primarily about trustful relationships between employees and the leader. Together, the employee and leader work as a team to accomplish goals. Vulnerability is meant to strengthen the relationship.
Thus, how can ministers of Christianity, bridge vulnerability in leadership with a purpose of growing spiritually for the Kingdom of God?
Building Trust Through Vulnerability
First, experiences of congregants vary. Once, in the beginning of my Christian walk, a well-respected Pastor, gave me pause to mistrust church leadership, especially pastors. His words in regard to his personal misconduct were, “I do not go into my own hen house to scout the chickens but, I will scout out chickens to catch in other hen houses.” Needless to say, over a period of time, mistrust in him was proven in several instances, this individual took advantage of vulnerable sheep and lambs. What did the church learn from this? One individual leader can cause years of harm.
As congregants, mentally and emotionally, our spiritual well-being was harmed by this ministry leader. Especially among young adults, the circle of confidence in the church body was broken.
What can you to do as a servant leader when trust is a challenge in ministry? Without safe spaces, within the ministering body, the harm and hurt will destroy congregants spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start with building safe spaces. We invite you to check our blog post about strategies to create trusting, safe environments.
The Relationship Between Vulnerability and Effective Leadership
The relationship between vulnerability and effective leadership is backed by case studies. Studies show that vulnerability has a connection to communication and authenticity. According to Mckinsey studies, millennials, in particular, want their leaders to share their human side, including their vulnerabilities. As congregants in ministry, the thoughts are “Can I trust you with this information? Can I be vulnerable and explain my hurt and harm?” In both worlds, background knowledge is part of building trust in relationship. However, remember, opinion(s) is not fact (s).
Not “OK”
As much as we may think we are “ok,” there are circumstances that people face which are so dire, that we know that they are not “OK.” In these circumstances, you may notice changes in behavior, i.e., absences, outbursts, text messages, etc.
Jesus is a primary example of what it means to be in a place of vulnerability and ask for help. For instance, the night before Jesus was ceased in the Garden of Gethsemane, he poured out his emotions to the Father. “Take this cup from me; but yet, not my will but Your will be done,” (paraphrased). In the very next moments, he did not even summon angels, and he could have, to come and help him (Matthew 26:50-53). His willingness to be vulnerable to save us speaks of the level of trust that he had in His Father.
What should leaders do when challenges persist?
Challenges Leaders Face in Embracing Vulnerability
Face it! As a leader, embrace vulnerability as an opportunity for better. Common fears and misconceptions about showing vulnerability is not unusual. In fact, in the natural world, you may hear conversations that speak of finding your “inner compass.” For instance, a leader may rely upon his/her inner compass to guide their responses or actions. This inner compass may lead that person to check in with others or make a self-inventory. How am I doing? What did I learn from the experience(s)? Ultimately, in their leadership journey, there are certain issues and challenges that motivate them.
In ministry leadership, by comparison, you may have misgivings as well. You are not an exception. In fact, you are in good company. As previously stated, Jesus is an example of how vulnerability help in shaping his dependence on the Father. His willingness to be on God’s agenda is the inspiration for our faith.
Self-Reflection
What can we do to analyze the role of vulnerability in our personal leadership? Self-reflect! Here are a few thoughts that I use as part of my self-reflection. in this manner, I encourage myself to use tips to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style to grow my ministry spiritually. Not necessarily in this order. I choose to:
- Identify my list of trustworthy partnerships outside of the ministry
- Identify key people who congregants trust and are faithful to the ministry
- Identify and engage credible resources to strengthen authentic relationships, i.e., community support groups
- Be honest about my challenges and commitment to Godly principles; i.e., integrity, accountability, self-control. Am I honest? Am I accountable and work to grow good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
- Daily speak the Word of God
- Read scriptures for building emotional support
- Prayer consistently with the Word of God in agreement that God wants the best for my ministry, family, connections, and you.
Summative, this is my good ” startup” to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style as a servant leader. The Holy Spirit is your guide!
Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"
For more examples to encourage your call, I invite you to check these blog posts from:
