During my twelve years as an elected County Commissioner, the most unusual thing I ever did at one of our public meetings was to unexpectedly play my guitar … and sing!
This was pretty much on a dare by one of the Department Heads. I accepted the challenge!
This unannounced performance, in front of the department heads and a public audience, was certainly out of my comfort zone … but it went well! I was actually encouraged by the audience to perform another round of the song, “You are my sunshine!”
And it turns out that the resulting video from that meeting was one of the most watched during my 12-year tenure.
How can this personal revelation matter in your business? Well, it turns out that when we allow ourselves to step out of our comfort zones — to be vulnerable — we can connect more deeply with our teams, our clients and our prospective clients. It shows that we are more than our titles and roles — we are individuals with varied talents, passions and vulnerabilities that we are willing to share with others.
Sharing something so personal breaks down the invisible barriers that often exist between ourselves and others. It helps us connect on a deeply human level.
According to Brene’ Brown, a thought leader on vulnerability, “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.”
This rings true when we are trying to build relationships, whether they are within teams, or with clients and prospective clients. By revealing our authentic selves, we invite others to connect with us on a more personal and meaningful level, fostering trust and openness.
My public guitar performance at an “official” meeting is only one of many ways to be authentic and embrace vulnerability and creativity in our businesses and leadership roles.
It’s often the unscripted moments that have the most significant impacts.
