Leading a business presents numerous challenges, and many leaders often believe they must maintain a stoic demeanor. Jacob Morgan, the author of "The Future Leader," discussed with TheStreet the importance of not confusing vulnerability with weakness for leaders.
Morgan noted common mistakes leaders make, including the belief that displaying vulnerability at work is a sign of weakness or incompetence. In his book, "Leading with Vulnerability," Morgan conducted interviews with hundreds of CEOs and surveyed 14,000 employees to delve deeper into this subject.
He discovered that effective leadership involves not only being vulnerable at work but also integrating vulnerability with leadership competence and forming connections. For instance, rather than simply admitting a mistake, a leader should acknowledge the lesson learned and outline steps to prevent its recurrence. This approach combines emotional openness with leadership and competence.
Morgan emphasized the significant shift in leadership styles within organizations. Attributes such as thinking like a futurist, coaching, and leading with a human-centric approach are increasingly prevalent. This shift involves fostering an organizational culture where employees are eager to work, rather than feeling obligated. It requires leaders to genuinely engage with their employees, treating them as individuals rather than merely workers.
