December 7

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The Hidden Benefits of Being Vulnerable: Changing the Way Managers Connect with Their Teams

By Celeste DeCamps

December 7, 2024

BeVulnerable, Collaboration, communication, DropTheFacade, EmbraceFailure, EmployeeWellBeing, TakeRisks, TeamBuilding

We live in an age where filters on our phones, edited videos, and showing only our best selves have become the norm. Unfortunately, this pursuit of perfection keeps us at arm's distance, making it challenging to forge solid relationships. When we drop the polished facade and speak openly about our journey, mistakes, and successes, do we find commonality. Can this benefit us in the office as well?

The concept of vulnerability, as defined by Brené Brown, a research professor and author, involves the willingness to expose oneself emotionally and take risks. As a leader, you have a significant role in shaping the culture of your team. Building genuine connections among colleagues and managers is not just a nice-to-have in the corporate environment, it's a necessity.

The best managers I worked with were the ones who told me stories of embarrassing sales calls and other funny mistakes they made. It helped me understand that I wasn't expected to be perfect on every sales call but to learn and grow from each experience. It was that type of leadership that empowered me to be fearless, knowing I wasn't going to be judged unfairly. I was prepared to embrace my failures and knew they would make great stories for future salespeople to learn from.

How does the power of vulnerability extend beyond individual connections and play a crucial role in team dynamics? When everyone practices openness, it encourages cooperation and innovation. When conducting a workshop or staff training, I encourage the participants to discuss their challenges when presenting their ideas. As we walk through each situation, the group comes up with interesting and fun solutions that end up helping all of us. At the end of the training, I always observed the difference in how the group started, from being quiet and reserved to finding a new camaraderie built on teamwork. It's always satisfying to see walls come down and new relationships develop in their place.

Can vulnerability significantly impact employee well-being? A culture that normalizes sharing experiences reduces workplace stress. According to the American Psychological Association, prioritizing mental health in the office enhances employee performance and retention. Everyone benefits from feeling valued and appreciated instead of being seen as just a cog in the machine.

Is this an easy process to introduce to your group? Yes, by taking small, incremental steps, you can create a sense of honesty that will take shape by leading your team by example. Talk about the hurdles you faced and how you learned from them. You'll find that this helps foster trust and improve communication. With years of experience in team dynamics, it has become clear to me that sharing ourselves can lead to more meaningful connections and a more engaged and productive workforce. 

If you're motivated to create a more cohesive and innovative group environment where everyone feels safe to express their ideas, take the next step. Engage with additional resources and guidance on integrating these principles into your daily practice by visiting www.CelesteDeCamps.com. I encourage you to start implementing these principles in your workplace today and see their positive impact on your team.


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About the author

Celeste DeCamps has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Miami. She worked in radio and television, was a professional belly dancer, drummer, percussionist, nightclub owner, and a sales rep for Southern Wine and Spirits for 12 years. Throughout her different career moves, speaking to and teaching women how to be more confident is Celeste's most fulfilling job.

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