How to Lead Authentically
A Pastor’s Guide to Healthy Transparency
Leadership is often associated with strength, confidence, and authority. However, vulnerability is a trait that should not be overlooked in leadership. Vulnerability can help leaders build stronger relationships with their team members, foster trust and authenticity, and create a more positive and supportive work environment. This is particularly important in the context of the church, if leaders desire to cultivate leaders who multiply with impact.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of vulnerability in leadership and offer practical advice for church leaders to become more transparent and authentic with their team members.
The Benefits of Vulnerability in Leadership
- Builds Trust and Authenticity
When leaders are vulnerable, they open themselves up to their team members, which fosters trust and authenticity. Vulnerability can help leaders connect with their team members on a deeper level, which can lead to stronger relationships and a more positive work environment. When team members see their leaders as genuine and authentic, they are more likely to trust them and follow their lead. As you exemplify this kind of leadership, watch the healthy ripple effect it will have.
- Encourages Creativity and Innovation
When leaders are vulnerable, they create a safe space for their team members to be creative and innovative. When team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks, they are more likely to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. Vulnerable leaders create an environment where team members feel safe to experiment and take risks. And you’ll begin to open doors for more solution-driven teammates.
- Demonstrates Humility and Strength
Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability does not equate to weakness. How often do we allow ourselves to believe this? In reality, vulnerability demonstrates strength and humility. Vulnerable leaders are willing to admit their mistakes and ask for help when needed. This demonstrates to their team members that it is okay to make mistakes and ask for help. Vulnerable leaders create an environment where team members feel comfortable admitting their mistakes and seeking help when needed.
Healthy Ways to Become More Transparent and Authentic
- Share Your Story
One way for church leaders to become more vulnerable with their team members is to share their personal story. This can include sharing their struggles, failures, and successes. When leaders share their story, they demonstrate that they are human and have experienced challenges just like everyone else. This can help team members relate to their leaders on a deeper level and foster trust and authenticity.
- Admit Your Mistakes
Another way for church leaders to become more vulnerable with their team members is to admit their mistakes. This can be difficult, but it demonstrates humility and strength. When leaders admit their mistakes, they show their team members that it is okay to make mistakes and that they are willing to learn from them.
- Ask for Help
Church leaders can also become more vulnerable by asking for help when needed. This can include asking team members for input or advice. When leaders ask for help, they demonstrate that they do not have all the answers and that they value the input of their team members. You encourage ownership from others as you invite them into conversations.
- Listen with Empathy
Ministry leaders demonstrate vulnerability by listening with empathy. When leaders listen to their team members with empathy, they create a safe space for their team members to share their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more positive work environment.
If you’re looking for a fast, easy, and short lived path to leadership, we wouldn’t recommend practicing vulnerability. But if you’re looking for longevity, health, and multiplication in your leadership…it’s a must.
Find more resources on developing healthy leaders at multiplygroup.org or book a call with us and lets discover your best next step to develop more and better leaders..
