“Vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, innovation and change.” Dr. Brene Brown.

What a challenging statement! Most of female business owners are attempting to project an image of strength and confidence, so how does this statement stand alongside that? Surely with our staff we do not want to be ‘vulnerable’ – is that not a sign of weakness?

We need to first look at what vulnerability means. In this context, Brene Brown is referring to being open, honest and transparent (rather than possibly our typical definition that relates more to ‘weakness’). Anyone who studies culture and people (or if you have been around the block enough times!) will likely agree that showing your ‘true self’ (including areas you are not proud of, or mistakes you have made) gives people the opportunity to relate to each other in a real and meaningful way.

Projecting an image of perfection does not inspire collaboration or a sense of community in your workplace or team. In fact, it can have the opposite effect: behaving as though there are never problems or that you are not bothered by anything will make you seem like you don’t care and that you can’t understand what your team is experiencing.

Attainment of your business goals will be best achieved when your team can see that you are indeed human – and humans sometimes fail or falter. Recognising and embracing this fact means that you and your team can be prepared for mistakes, thinking creatively in times of crisis will come much more naturally. Showing that you are vulnerable and showing your team that you persevere despite adversity, will inspire your team to do the same.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender