Too many leaders are closed books when it comes to relating to their teams. They are distant and detached, both physically and emotionally. Like the Wizard of Oz, many leaders are afraid to have team members look “behind the curtain” for fear they will be seen as less than perfect. This fear keeps team members from really getting to know the person behind the title or position.

Colleen Barrett, president emerita of Southwest Airlines and Ken’s coauthor on the book Lead with LUV, has a great take on vulnerability in leadership: “I think when you’re vulnerable, people realize that you, too, are human. And, perhaps even more importantly, they love your ownership of your personal positive and negative characteristics.”

When people observe their leader exhibiting vulnerability, it can motivate them to do the same.

MAKING COMMON SENSE COMMON PRACTICE

Consider taking these practical steps to be more vulnerable with your people:

• Focus on others, not yourself. Being self-oriented drives you to act in ways that preserve your carefully curated public image. Instead, focus on serving others and meeting their needs.

• Lead with humility. Humble leaders put themselves on the same level as their team members and are willing to be real with others. No pretenses, no masks—just you.