"This is a well-researched, compelling book about something we spend far too little time thinking about: Being human. It works." -- Seth Godin, Author, The Song of Significance"Jacob takes a wonderfully thorough look at one of the most important - and lacking - qualities in leaders. And he does so with a raw and honest approach that makes his point all the more powerful(!)" -- Patrick Lencioni Best-selling Author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius"Vulnerability, in today's complex, uncertain world, is simply a fact. Good leaders don't shy away from, but instead acknowledge and embrace this reality. Backed by a study of 100 CEOs and a survey of 14,000 employees, Jacob has put together an invaluable resource to help leaders navigate vulnerability to achieve more, build trust, and drive performance. -- Amy C. Edmondson, Professor, Harvard Business School; Author, Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well (Atria, 2023) and The Fearless Organization (Wiley 2018)."Given all the blather about authentic and vulnerable leadership, some take it as a signal to abandon accountability and just let the world know how you're feeling. According to Jacob, what you want is the combination of vulnerability PLUS leadership - as in "I don't know, but here's our plan for how we're going to find out." This book offers many wonderful examples and insights for how leaders can put the power of vulnerability to work. You'll never think about leadership the same way again." -- Rita McGrath, Author of Seeing Around Corners and Professor at Columbia Business School."I applaud Jacob for pushing us all to understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to vulnerability. The insights and experiences from these leaders have the potential to strike a nerve no matter your title or tenure." -- Michael Miebach, CEO, MastercardThis book is a serious game-changer, because we've been thinking about leadership all wrong. Whether you're a CEO of a Fortune 500 or an entrepreneur with a team of two, Leading with Vulnerability is packed with strategies and practical tools to help you become a leader who knows how to make an impact- -- Mel Robbins, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, and Host of The Mel Robbins Podcast"This book is a game-changer for current and aspiring leaders. Jacob provides readers with a treasure trove of insights on how to connect with team members, unlock potential, and drive business performance. I wish I had this book when I was entering the business world!" -- Frank Blake, Former Chairman & CEO at The Home Depot"Leading with vulnerability is a superpower that many leaders struggle with. It creates human connection, trust, and unlocks the potential of those around you. This excellent book teaches leaders how to do just that. Filled with stories and research this is a must read for any leader!" -- Niren Chaudhary Chief Executive Officer, Panera Bread & Panera Brands"Vulnerability is a topic that is uncomfortable for so many. Jacob tackles this head on with insights from CEOs to help leaders understand that vulnerability shouldn't just be discussed but also utilized as a superpower to lead through change." -- Jason McGowan, Founder & CEO - Crumbl Cookies"Leading With Vulnerability meticulously lays out how to do the very thing that can transform companies, but which leaders are too often afraid to do." -- Robert Irvine, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur, and author of Overcoming Impossible"'Leading with Vulnerability' is a masterclass in balancing the human connection with the competence needed to lead successfully in today's complex world. Jacob has artfully distilled the wisdom of over 100 CEOs and 14,000 employees into a compelling, actionable guide. This book will reshape your understanding of leadership and empower you to create deeper connections and drive greater impact. An essential read for leaders at every level." -- Erin Meyer, NYT Best-Selling Author of No Rules Rules and The Culture Map"The leaders of today and tomorrow are discovering vulnerability as a leadership requirement and a tool for advancement in our increasingly transparent world. Jacob's insights are exactly the kind of modern and realistic thinking we need in today's business climate. As organizations adapt to the effects of AI, flexible working, and climate change, it will be the leaders who harness vulnerability rather than avoid it that will drive sustainable growth in their industries. I encourage leaders to learn from the great examples in this book and apply them rigorously." -- Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes
Introduction: Where It All BeganPart I: Who Is a Weak Vulnerable Leader?Chapter 1: Panic!Chapter 2: The Vulnerable Leader EquationChapter 3: Why Lead with Vulnerability?Chapter 4: Tough GuysChapter 5: How Are You Feeling?Chapter 6: The Land of the GoodsChapter 7: Thick Skin but Not ArmorChapter 8: How People Become Vulnerable LeadersPart II: What Prevents Leaders from Being Vulnerable at Work?Chapter 9: Why Don't We Have More Superheroes?Chapter 10: Breaking the Leadership StereotypePart III: What Makes Leaders Feel Vulnerable?Chapter 11: The 10 Vulnerability SignsChapter 12: It Takes One to Know OneChapter 13: I Saw the Sign!Chapter 14: The Sprinter and the GymnastChapter 15: What We Got Wrong About Milgram's ExperimentChapter 16: The Four Types of QuestionsPart IV: What Happens to Leaders When They Are Vulnerable?Chapter 17: Getting Past the Defense!Chapter 18: Critical MomentsChapter 19: What Does Vulnerability Feel Like?Part V: How to Lead with VulnerabilityChapter 20: Unlocking Your SuperpowerChapter 21: The Five Vulnerable Leader SuperheroesChapter 22: The Eight Attributes of Vulnerable LeadersChapter 23: The Vulnerability WheelChapter 24: The Vulnerability MountainEndnotesAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorIndex
JACOB MORGAN is the international bestselling author of 5 books, keynote speaker, and professionally trained futurist. His passion and mission is to create great leaders, engaged employees, and future-ready organizations. Jacob is also the host of "Great Leadership With Jacob Morgan," one of the world's most popular leadership podcasts. His work has been endorsed by the CEOs of: Unilever, Cisco, Mastercard, Nestlé, Best Buy, SAP, KPMG, T-Mobile, Audi, Kaiser Permanente, and many others. He lives in Los Angeles, California with his amazing wife Blake, their two kids, and their two dogs. You can learn more about Jacob, contact him, and get access to his content by visiting TheFutureOrganization.com.