Teams grow stronger when managers show openness and vulnerability

A survey of over 12,000 global employees reveals that people are more willing to go the extra mile at work when their manager is open and shows vulnerability. Allyson Zimmermann writes that these employees tend to be more creative, dedicated, and willing to go “above and beyond”. Leaders who show vulnerability and empathy are stronger, not weaker. Their teams tend to feel psychologically safer, and to express themselves more freely without fear of making mistakes.

 
In a time of crisis, it is natural to want to connect with others and show openness and vulnerability. These connections are also beneficial for an organisation’s performance and workplace culture in the long term.

A new Catalyst survey of over 12,000 global employees reveals that employees are more willing to go the extra mile when their manager is open and shows vulnerability. It reveals that the percentage of employees who say they are often creative, dedicated, and willing to go “above and beyond” significantly increases when they see their manager as displaying openness more frequently and when their manager frequently displays vulnerability.

Yet, according to the survey only 39% of employees said their manager often or always displayed openness; and 24% said their manager was often or always vulnerable. These numbers are disappointing when we know how important connections are to positive work outcomes.

Studies have shown how crucial ‘connection’ is between leaders and their employees. Perhaps, traditionally, leaders showing emotion was viewed as a sign of weakness. However, Catalyst’s data shows that leaders who are able to openly show authentic emotion and vulnerability are often stronger leaders who are able to harness the best qualities in their employees.

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Πηγή: blogs.lse.ac.uk