Open and Honest: Part 2 — Lead with Vulnerability

As we mentioned last month, Professional EOS Implementers® have two expectations for the sessions that they facilitate with their clients: That everyone is both open and honest. Let’s learn about “honest.”

When people are honest, they are exercising two characteristics: 1) they humbly value themselves enough to state their own opinion and perspective, and 2) they are being vulnerable with the team.

As God’s creation, we all matter and have value. To think too highly of ourselves is considered arrogance. To think too lowly of ourselves is also arrogance. Humility is accepting the value that God has of us – valuing yourself and others as God values us all. “People with humility don’t think less of themselves, they just think of themselves less,” (Ken Blanchard, Mission Possible: Becoming a World Class Organization While There’s Still Time).

In his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni says “Great teams do not hold back with one another. They are unafraid to air their dirty laundry. They admit their mistakes, their weaknesses, and their concerns without fear of reprisal.” Members of a team must feel safe enough to overcome their desire to protect themselves – overcome their fears. Leaders start and nurture this by being vulnerable first, and then being safe for others to also be vulnerable. When leaders are vulnerable with their teams they invite creativity, collaboration, and loyalty.

Being honest – humble and vulnerable – is a predominantly right brain function. It is relational, not logical. Being in joy and operating with the right brain “on” will help you create the right environment for others to be honest.

Let’s talk about how to operate full-brained with your team: brent.stromwall@eosworldwide.com.