How do you build trust with your clients through vulnerability and authenticity?

1 Why vulnerability and authenticity matter

Vulnerability and authenticity are not signs of weakness or unprofessionalism. On the contrary, they are indicators of courage and confidence. When you show vulnerability and authenticity, you demonstrate that you are human, honest, and willing to learn. You also invite your clients to do the same, creating a deeper connection and a more collaborative environment. Research shows that vulnerability and authenticity can increase trust, loyalty, and satisfaction among clients.

2 How to assess your vulnerability and authenticity

Before you can improve your vulnerability and authenticity, you need to know where you stand. A simple way to do this is to use a self-assessment tool, such as the Vulnerability and Authenticity Assessment (VAA). The VAA is a questionnaire that measures your tendency to be open, honest, and genuine with your clients. It also identifies your strengths and areas for improvement. You can find the VAA online or create your own based on the following dimensions: self-awareness, self-disclosure, feedback, empathy, and integrity.

3 How to increase your self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is the basis for vulnerability and authenticity, as it allows you to be honest with yourself and others. To increase your self-awareness, you can practice mindfulness, reflection, and journaling. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and acceptance. Reflection is the process of reviewing your actions and outcomes with a critical and constructive lens. Journaling is the habit of writing down your feelings, insights, and goals on a regular basis.

4 How to improve your self-disclosure

Self-disclosure is the act of sharing personal information, opinions, and experiences with your clients. It is a way of showing vulnerability and authenticity, as it reveals your personality, values, and perspectives. To improve your self-disclosure, you can use the following tips: share relevant and appropriate information, balance self-disclosure with active listening, use stories and examples to illustrate your points, and express your emotions and needs clearly and respectfully.

5 How to seek and give feedback

Feedback is the exchange of information, opinions, and suggestions between you and your clients. It is a way of demonstrating vulnerability and authenticity, as it shows your willingness to learn, grow, and improve. To seek and give feedback effectively, you can use the following tips: ask for feedback regularly and sincerely, thank your clients for their feedback and act on it, give feedback constructively and respectfully, focus on behaviors and outcomes rather than personalities and intentions, and use the sandwich method (positive-negative-positive).

6 How to show empathy and integrity

Empathy and integrity are the qualities of understanding and respecting your clients' feelings, needs, and expectations. They are the outcomes of vulnerability and authenticity, as they show that you care about your clients and their success. To show empathy and integrity, you can use the following tips: listen attentively and empathically to your clients, acknowledge and validate their emotions and concerns, offer support and solutions that meet their needs and goals, follow through on your promises and commitments, and apologize and correct your mistakes when necessary.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?