The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

A lesson from the late, great John R Caldon, former Deputy MD of Macquarie Group.

John was always very open about his trials and failures. Vulnerability is a very endearing and disarming trait in a leader.

Once, in 1996, John confided that he was experiencing marital problems.

“Oh, are you arguing a lot?”, I asked.

“No that’s the problem, Adam, we’re not arguing enough.”

What is true of personal relationships, is also true of business relationships.

It reminded me of the immortal lines of William Blake: “I was angry with my friend, I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe, I told it not, my wrath did grow.”