Leading with Weakness

Photo from http://www.vatican.va/

In reference to his election as pope, Pope Francis joked at a roast with his fellow cardinals and said, “May God forgive you for what you have done”. Humor, humility, and leading with weakness have always been effective tools for leading and effectively motivating people. There’s something about displaying your humanity that gently encourages others to lay bare their souls to let the light heal their ailments.

In the therapy world, however, an early supervisor cautioned us not to self-disclose too fast and freely, as it is a cheap and often vain way to promote joining.  (Who likes going to a therapist who talks about themselves too much anyway!)  But for a specific purpose, calculated self-disclosure in and out of the therapy session powers the healing process.

In my coaching business, in addition to being completely open about my faith, by deliberately revealing my struggles and victories I aim to lower people’s resistance, encouraging greater awareness and honesty about their strengths and weaknesses. Creating emotional and spiritual safety guides people to accept themselves exactly where they are.  Only from that place can they join in our fraternal effort to let God transform all of us into the beautiful images of Him as He created us to be.

I always want to help. But some uglies are a little easier to disclose than others, as you will see in my next blog.

The Catholic Women’s Guide to Healthy Relationships Tip:  When is leading with your weakness actually leading with your strength?