Showing Vulnerability Think of the next three or four conversations you’re going to have. Pick one or two that have low stakes. Now find a small vulnerability you could share. This should not be something major. Any minor fear, hesitation, concern, or regret will do. You might share something you’re worried about, something you think you did wrong, or something you wish you could have done better. Before the conversation, do a compassion visualization and a responsibility transfer for the outcome of this exercise. This gets your body language right and prevents anxiety from overwhelming you, though you should expect discomfort—that’s what vulnerability is all about. During the conversation, here are a few good ways to ease into the sharing: ♦ “You know, I have to tell you…” or “I have to admit…” are good preambles. ♦ Prepare the terrain by saying “I’m feeling a bit nervous about saying this, but…” ♦ You can also ask them to keep this conversation confidential. Not only will this make you feel safer, it will make people treasure the moment more. People love secrets