A great boss is both respected and relatable through shared humanity.

Self-disclosure demonstrates authenticity and builds trust.

Sharing personal experiences such as trauma fosters credibility.

To thrive in the contemporary workforce, companies need to create a culture of teamwork and trust. Yet within many industries, becoming a career employee at the same company has become the exception rather than the rule. Nonetheless, because job commitment and security are valuable commodities in an uncertain economy, managers and supervisors seek not only to attract talent, but to retain it. And as we have learned over the years, employee retention requires more than benefits; it requires emotional buy-in and interpersonal bonding through trust. Fortunately, research reveals there are ways for supervisors to create this dynamic.

The Value of Vulnerability

When we envision the qualities that make great leaders, vulnerability is likely not top of the list. Yet in reality, many people follow leaders who are not only competent and trustworthy but who possess qualities that others can identify with. Great leaders are often respected and trusted through their humanity, being relatable through vulnerabilities they are willing to share. A recent study........

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