I have learned over the years that while toughness can be a good thing, and there is definitely a time and place in the world of business for a steely disposition, vulnerability can be good too. I’m not talking about the crying at business meetings that I wrote about a few days ago, but really more about being ourselves and showing a genuine, tender side. This is how relationships are built.
Think back over your own relationships with bosses, coworkers, and colleagues–chances are the ones you came to trust the most, enjoy working with, and the ones with whom you forged relationships outside of the work environment were those who showed a bit of vulnerability and humanness to you in the work place. Letting your customers and clients know some of what motivates you to do a good job, how important your family is to you, or how things affect or upset you (within reason) can be just what it takes to create that human connection.
Of course, everything within reason. There is still such a thing as healthy boundaries and professionalism. But professionalism doesn’t have to mean that you are cold and unapproachable and healthy boundaries doesn’t have to mean that there are walls of brick between you and others you encounter in the business world. I have found that when I allow myself to be a flawed, real, human being with emotions in the work environment, I actually gain more fans and collaborators than when I am cold and professional at all times.
So, as you go about building your business, it is alright to let customers and clients see bits of the “real you”–it is also okay to show a little vulnerability and let them see that you are a feeling, emotional human after all. This is how relationships are built and businesses are built on relationships.
Also: Authenticity For Your Home Business