Viewing Vulnerability as a Strength

Facilitated by Laura Roccaforte, The Learning Exchange

Everyone is vulnerable, even when we try to avoid it. We are born vulnerable and stay that way for our entire childhood before our relationship with vulnerability changes as we merge into adulthood. In her book Daring Greatly, Brene Brown says that vulnerability is at the root of human connection, and requires of us three things – uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.

So, how do we help each other and our organizational leaders develop the courage to be in connection with others as Brene Brown describves and be fully ourselves. How can we view vulnerability as a strength encouraging and allowing people at work to connect on a different level so they can increase collaboration, productivity and cohesiveness? Where do we find it to be true, that as leaders and employees share their vulnerabilities, workplaces become more trusting, engaging and respectful?

In this session we’ll explore the research on vulnerability and authenticity, discover what can happen if we embrace vulnerability as a strength, and learn how to help others live a more wholehearted life.

Members will understand why showing vulnerability is necessary, how to embrace vulnerability as a strength and will have tools to help others to do the same.

Laura Roccaforte is an organizational development consultant, who works with individuals and leadership teams who want to move their organization forward. For over 35 years, Laura has worked as an internal and external consultant, providing leadership development and executive coaching. Laura has worked with leaders in not-for-profits, as well as publicly traded and privately owned companies including the American Red Cross, Cox Communications, Denny’s Restaurants, ICAN, Lincoln Financial Company, Oriental Trading Company and PayPal. Laura is certified to administer and interpret diagnostic instruments such as Emergenetics, Herman Brain Dominance Profile, EQi2.0 and the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator. She uses these tools to better diagnose and remedy the ¬challenges organizations face today.

Laura has worked globally in Europe and Asia and is known for helping leaders create a plan for managing change and fostering collaborative relationships across an enterprise. Laura holds an M.Ed from the University Nebraska Lincoln, a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Sacramento, and is a certified SPHR professional. Laura has been married to Rich for 28 years and enjoys her involvement in the community, exercise, traveling, continuous learning and building lasting connections wherever she goes.

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