Should Leaders Be Open About Their Flaws?

Does the thought of revealing your flaws to employees make you nervous? Think how a team member feels when they make a mistake. We are all human and showing employees that you also have flaws can help them feel more comfortable coming to you for guidance and keep them engaged.

If you feel a leader should only share their strengths, it is likely your team thinks you aren’t being genuine. Employees today crave sincere role models who are open about their struggles. Revealing weaknesses to your employees, as long as they are not serious shortcomings, makes leaders come across as authentic and generates goodwill, trust and engagement.

Read the Harvard Business Review’s research article, Why Leaders Should Be Open About Their Flaws, here.