Cambridge Business Association
Leading with Vulnerability
Book

Leading with Vulnerability

Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization

Jacob Morgan
Wiley, 2023
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Eye Opening
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Many executives believe that showing emotion undermines their public persona as an authority figure. Refreshingly, futurist and business author Jacob Morgan says this idea is a fallacy. Instead, he writes, leaders who admit they are vulnerable share their humanity. If you make that choice, he reassures you, people will admire your openness and brave spirit. Morgan explains how to demonstrate your vulnerability at work and incorporate your emotions into your leadership style. But, he cautions, being vulnerable doesn’t mean divulging all. In other words, proceed, but with good sense.

Summary

Exhibiting vulnerability reveals strength, not weakness.

Great leaders aren’t afraid to exhibit vulnerability, humility, and trust. They understand that revealing these aspects of their personalities demonstrates strength, not weakness, and shows their humanity. Leading with vulnerability can be a superpower, but – while being vulnerable is a positive trait – it’s not a license to divulge your innermost secrets or to put your fears on display.

Yoda, the Star Wars character, exemplifies admirable vulnerability. He demonstrates “emotional intelligence including empathy and self-awareness.” For a real-world example, consider Ann Mukherjee, CEO and Chairwoman of Pernod Ricard North America, a company with 1,900 employees. Mukherjee has experienced enormous personal tragedy, including childhood sexual abuse and, at 14, the death of her mother, who was killed by a drunk driver.  Mukherjee explains that these traumatic experiences compelled her to grow and advance. Being vulnerable creates opportunities to forge human connections and spur positive change. 

Vulnerable leaders take these actions...

About the Author

Futurist Jacob Morgan hosts the podcast Great Leadership with Jacob Morgan. He is also the author of The Future Leader, The Employee Experience Advantage, The Future of Work, and The Collaborative Organization.

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