Great Leaders Show Vulnerability
By Rick Warren
“We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you.” 2 Corinthians 6:11 (NLT)
Paul, who wrote about half of the New Testament, was one of the greatest leaders who ever lived. He is also a great example of vulnerability.
In one of his letters, Paul said, “We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you” (2 Corinthians 6:11 NLT). Having an “open heart” means being vulnerable—in the way you talk, act, share, and feel.
To be an effective leader like Paul was, you need to learn to be vulnerable. Here are some practical steps you can take as a leader to become more vulnerable and authentic.
A true leader admits their frustrations.
When Paul was at one of his lowest moments, he didn’t bottle it up and buck up. Instead, he spoke up about the hard time he was having, using words like “crushed,” “overwhelmed,” and even “doomed.”
“We . . . saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God” (2 Corinthians 1:9 TLB). In being honest about his frustration, Paul emphasized God’s power in his life.
A true leader admits their faults and failures.
“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 GNT). Someone may be well-known, but if they can’t admit their faults, then they’re not really a leader.
Everybody makes mistakes. Even Paul could admit that he was “the worst of all sinners.” You’ll probably never hear a politician say that. But a great leader is transparent about their shortcomings.
A true leader admits their fears and feelings.
Paul writes to the Corinthians, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling . . . so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power” (1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV). Many people have a hard time sharing their feelings, especially their fears. If that’s you, then you’ve got to move past it! You cannot be an authentic, spiritually mature leader when you’re not open about your feelings.
It’s hard to find leaders today who are willing to be authentic and admit their frustrations, faults, and feelings. But will you choose to be a leader who opens your heart and becomes more vulnerable? When you do, you’ll find yourself leading more effectively as you lead from God’s power.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.