Our team had gone for an offsite; the goal was simple – to connect on a deeper level and foster trust. In one of the exercises, our facilitator asked us to share a challenge, personal struggle, difficult situation or an ongoing weakness.
One by one we began sharing: the stories were raw and honest. Someone spoke about growing up in a dysfunctional family. Another shared the insecurity she felt as a new manager, afraid she would be found out as “not good enough.” People were showing their true selves, and with each story, the bonds in the room seemed to grow.
Then it was Abhay’s turn (name changed). He was known for his adventurous spirit and humor, and he didn’t disappoint — or so it seemed. He began with a story about his passion for mountain biking. “Once, I was on this narrow mountain trail,” he said with a grin. “I was going way too fast, and at one point, I nearly went off a cliff! Scary stuff, right? But I didn’t tell my wife when I got home. She’d have made me sell my bike for sure!” He chuckled, and a few of us laughed along with him.
But something was missing. Abhay’s story, while amusing was not a challenge. He had deflected the opportunity to be vulnerable, choosing instead to keep things light and surface-level.
Something shifted in the team after Abhay’s story, others also started sharing surface level challenges… that’s of course when the facilitator stepped in to bring us back on course.
Lesson 3 on authenticity: It’s about being vulnerable, allowing others to see our strengths as well as struggles.
How easy or difficult is it for you to be vulnerable?
Perspectives 