Have you ever been led by someone who simply couldn’t admit when they got something wrong? For them, owning a mistake feels like weakness — as if they might lose respect or look foolish.

Yet so many of us are crying out for leaders who are real.

Leaders who show up with authenticity.

Leaders who own their mistakes.

Leaders who give permission for openness, honesty, and real life.

The days of pretending our leaders must be flawless — always strong, always right, always “together” — are over. People want leaders they can connect with as humans: to laugh with, to cry with, to celebrate with, and to journey alongside.

In my experience, vulnerability is the key that unlocks this.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when I look my mistakes in the face and name them — ideally with at least one other person present — something shifts. I stop being “the CEO on the pedestal” and become a normal human being. Trust grows. Connection deepens.

Hierarchy has its place, but one of its dangers is that it elevates people so high they become unrelatable. I’ve made it a personal goal to knock that pedestal away at every opportunity — so my team sees someone who will get in the trenches with them, celebrate with them, and yes, occasionally cry with them too.

Of course, the ego resists. It wants to stay in control, stay admired, stay comfortable. Vulnerability will always feel like a risk.

But when we dare to lead with our whole selves — not just the polished parts — we create space for others to do the same.

So here’s a simple challenge for today:

Where could you be 5% more vulnerable in your leadership?

Try something small.

Notice what happens.

And over time, watch trust grow, ego shrink, and a more authentic version of you emerge.

Real leadership isn’t about having it all together.

It’s about being a human that others can follow.

Andy Proudfoot – Founder Enneagram Global