As a young manager, early in my career, I was confronted with a serious internal conflict. I had a choice to make, one that would impact me personally and professionally for a long time.
I had already decided to be a Christ-follower and was committed to growing in my capacity to love and be loved, yet had little understanding of the implications of this decision. I just knew it was the right thing to do.
In those early years the more “seasoned” managers provided insight on how I should conduct myself with team members reporting to me:
“Ensure you keep your distance.”
“Don’t become their friends, it will diminish your authority.”
“If you get too close, it will be hard to ‘bring the hammer’ down when you need to.”
And more…
The world’s approach to leadership is often one of protecting oneself; helping ensure you get what you want while minimizing your risk of “getting hurt”. The philosophy tended to be one of not “getting one’s hands dirty”, of not getting involved and “nicely” using people to get the job done.
Yet, Jesus lived and led in direct opposition to this worldly approach. I was deeply challenged by how Jesus modeled the way for us, as leaders, to live a “vulnerable life”.
I had to decide how I would lead myself and others.
If I was claiming to be a Christ follower, then my only option was, for a life time, to learn to love and lead like Jesus loved and led. The implications of this decision have been far reaching; moving my sense of life wellness and connection with myself, my God and people to places I didn’t think to be possible.
Before I go further, I can imagine some possibly thinking that I am suggesting a “baring of the soul to all”, without consideration.
Not true!
What I am saying is that, appropriately, I can be real with both thought and feeling. I choose to live and lead with integrity – meaning alignment between my inner and outer person. I am convinced we can live out our leadership of self and others with authenticity, purpose and meaningful connection. We can be vulnerable.
Dr. Brene Brown, a human connection researcher, provides us with some very helpful work on vulnerability and the implications of it on our capacity to love and lead both self and others well. I encourage you to invest very worthwhile time listening to her TED Talk on vulnerability. Her book called “Daring Greatly!” is a very worthwhile read to help understand the human dynamics we all face as we look to grow in healthy vulnerability.
I continue to be amazed at how Jesus initiated being vulnerable with those He cared for. Jesus modeled the way for us. He created a picture of caring deeply for those around Him and with those close to Him as He led them. His leadership was “full of grace and truth”. His leadership was “vulnerable”. (John 1:14)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Eugene Peterson, in the Message, renders it this way:
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
Jesus chose to make himself vulnerable and take on our human form. He entered into our world of confusion, pain and lostness. He can identify with us. He chose to “move into (our) neighbourhood” and connect with us.
Jesus chose to be close – He chose to be vulnerable.
His ability to be vulnerable was based on His identity. He knew “whose” he was. He knew that He was loved by His father. He was secure in His relationship with Him. That deep sense of security provided Him with the platform to lead in strength, authority and vulnerability.
We are enjoying Christmas because the One who made us chose to be vulnerable. He chose to step in and make a difference in the lives of very hurting, and lost people. He chose to be vulnerable for you and for me.
I am so very glad He did! How about you?
A Maverick Application:
I invite you to reflect on your view of vulnerability.
- Set aside some “quiet” time and read aloud Psalm 139 – slowly, thoughtfully.
- Summarize the value and worth that is placed on the individual – on you and those around you.
- What does the “voice in your head” sound like when you know you are faced with an opportunity to be vulnerable, to be real with your thoughts and emotions? Is that voice aligned with the realities of “whose” you are as outlined in Psalm 139?
- Growing in authenticity and vulnerability takes time. Are you committed to growing in appropriate authenticity & vulnerability? If so pray for His help, and engage with those who can help you grow.
- Pick up Brene Brown’s book called “Daring Greatly!” – a very helpful read on understanding vulnerability at a deeper level. If you would “dare greatly”, read it with a group of friends who also want to grow in vulnerability. I suppose you will need to exercise vulnerability to ask some one to join you.
