The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership

Entering into the veterinary industry does not always comes from a place of wanting to be a leader, yet there we are, thrust into a leadership role. We do not have to be labeled the owner or manager to be expected to lead. Patient care requires us to take control and step up to direct others to help execute treatment plans. We begin to find how others look to us for guidance and direction, all the while we feel inadequate to lead, often lost and quite possibly feel like an imposter. Imposter syndrome is a common scenario that plays out for many in this field. Yet how do we navigate feeling confident and worthy of being present without losing our vulnerability. Without falling into that space of hiding behind a mask of security and strength, when really, we are scared and feel isolated and alone. This lecture takes a look at imposter syndrome from the approach of understanding our own personal vulnerability and how to stay connected to it as we embrace our feeling of worthiness and value. Breaking the cycle of the “suck it up approach” will require us to be vulnerable and embrace all of ourselves.