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Last updated on Jan 7, 2025
  1. All
  2. Education
  3. Personal Development

Your team is facing conflict. Can vulnerability in your leadership approach help you navigate it effectively?

When your team is embroiled in conflict, showing vulnerability as a leader isn’t a weakness—it's a strategic strength. Here are some steps to harness it effectively:

- Acknowledge your own fallibility. Admitting when you're unsure or wrong can encourage openness and trust.

- Listen actively and empathetically. Show genuine interest in your team's perspectives and feelings.

- Share personal experiences related to the conflict. This can help build common ground and foster understanding.

How have you seen vulnerability affect team dynamics? Share your insights.

Personal Development Personal Development

Personal Development

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Last updated on Jan 7, 2025
  1. All
  2. Education
  3. Personal Development

Your team is facing conflict. Can vulnerability in your leadership approach help you navigate it effectively?

When your team is embroiled in conflict, showing vulnerability as a leader isn’t a weakness—it's a strategic strength. Here are some steps to harness it effectively:

- Acknowledge your own fallibility. Admitting when you're unsure or wrong can encourage openness and trust.

- Listen actively and empathetically. Show genuine interest in your team's perspectives and feelings.

- Share personal experiences related to the conflict. This can help build common ground and foster understanding.

How have you seen vulnerability affect team dynamics? Share your insights.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
82 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Robin Boot

    Strategic Leadership & Change Mentor ✅ Driving Force Behind Sustainable Transformation 🔥

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    Start by acknowledging that no leader has all the answers—authenticity creates space for honest conversations. Actively listen to concerns without defensiveness, showing that every voice matters. Share personal challenges you’ve overcome, illustrating growth through adversity. Encourage open dialogue where conflict becomes an opportunity for collective learning. As Brené Brown highlights in Dare to Lead, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up when you can't control the outcome.” When leaders embrace transparency, they inspire resilience and unity in their teams.

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    Cintia Suplicy

    Criadora e facilitadora de Experiências de Aprendizagem, Conexão e Reconexão | Felicidade Corporativa e Liderança Humanizada | Mentora de Propósito, Carreira e Autenticidade

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    Pessoas se conectam com pessoas de verdade. Permitindo sermos quem somos, estamos permitindo que o outro seja também, contribuindo para um ambiente de segurança psicológica e humanizado. A ideia de que não devemos demonstrar nossas fraquezas funcionava em um regime autoritário, onde a liderança era baseada no medo. A maior demonstração de força é termos a coragem de sermos quem somos.

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    Peter Ong

    Helping Japanese and Mandarin learners to enhance their workplace communication for global business success. | HRD Corp Accredited Trainer

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    Absolutely. I’ve found that showing vulnerability as a leader fosters trust and openness within my team. When conflict arises, I acknowledge challenges honestly, admit when I don’t have all the answers, and encourage others to share their perspectives without fear of judgment. Leading with empathy helps de-escalate tension and shifts the focus toward solutions rather than blame. By modeling self-awareness and accountability, I create a space where my team feels heard and valued, making it easier to resolve conflicts constructively.

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    9
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    Vanessa Braun

    Empowering Professionals & My Team to Become 1% Better Every Day | CRO & Certified Executive Coach | CEMS & Antler | Entrepreneurship & Tech

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    Yes, vulnerability fosters trust and openness. By acknowledging challenges, listening actively, and showing empathy, I create a safe space for resolution. Leading with authenticity strengthens team cohesion and encourages productive dialogue.

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    Gonzalo Paniagua

    Compliance, Auditoría y Gestión de Riesgos | Especialista en Seguridad Informática y Project Management | Liderazgo Estratégico & Gerencial

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    Vulnerability in leadership is a strategic strength that fosters trust and psychological safety. When leaders acknowledge their mistakes or uncertainties, team members feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts, leading to better communication and collaboration. Active listening and sharing personal experiences can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth. Vulnerability encourages authenticity, making teams more resilient and adaptable.

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