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Not everyone is comfortable sharing sensitive information with coworkers
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When this woman wanted to keep personal things to herself, it unfortunately led to a big scandal
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Many still experience invisible blockages that stop us from sharing sensitive information
The mindset that vulnerability equals weakness is slowly but surely becoming outdated. However, opening up to people is easier said than done. Many of us still experience invisible blockages that stop us from sharing sensitive information about ourselves, let alone doing so in a work environment.
“I wish all professionals knew that vulnerability in the workplace could be a powerful tool, not just a sign of weakness. It’s important to create a culture where people feel safe and comfortable being vulnerable. It leads to more open communication, trust and connection between colleagues,”saysEmma Williams, a certified career coach.
Indeed, being open in professional environments has a lot of benefits. It normalizes emotions and fosters psychological safety.Team leaderswho show vulnerability are seen more as human beings, which makes them instantly more relatable and authentic. As Williams mentioned, this further breeds trust and connection, two key components of collaborative and high-performance teams.
Common acts of vulnerability include asking for help, sharing something personal, trying something new, admitting to not knowing certain things or making a mistake, contributing to a discussion, and receiving feedback.
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Opening up at work doesn’t have to mean disclosing too much of your personal information
However, for those hesitant to share personal things or wondering how much disclosing is too much, author, podcast host, and vulnerability researcher Brené Brownsays, “Vulnerability minus boundaries is not vulnerability.”
Drawing boundaries at work includes sharing information, emotions, and experiences only with thecolleaguesyou deem appropriate. If you feel that opening up is the right thing to do, it should be done with the singular aim of improving work-related matters.
Knowing when to be vulnerable and in what amounts is important, as showing your emotional side in an unsupportive environment can lead to ridicule, criticism, or rejection. Even in more enlightened workplaces, exposing personal lives and admitting mistakes and failures can be uncomfortable and stressful for many people. However, with established boundaries, showing vulnerability can result in positive outcomes.
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Some readers justified the author’s behavior and even gave reccmendations
Meanwhile, others thought both sides to be wrong
Thanks! Check out the results:Justinas Keturka
Gabija Saveiskyte
Indrė Lukošiūtė
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