Do you think this is true?
20 years ago, before I trained to be a coach, I decided to leave my marriage. I felt very vulnerable - what would people think of me? At that time I ran a village post office, led junior church, was a parish councillor and a trustee of the village hall.
In fact, I started to have more in-depth conversations with people who felt able to be vulnerable with me because they no longer had the impression that I had a problem-free life.
So how do I, as a coach, show up to my clients as a professional and also as a vulnerable human being? Brené Brown is a great example; her credentials do not lie only in her academic achievements, well researched writing and talks. I am able to trust that she knows what she is talking about because she demonstrates her heart connection through her willingness to be vulnerable as she shares her own experiences.
As I have been transparent with people they have responded with openness and this has not reduced their respect for what I bring to coaching by way of background, experience, training and skills.
I think what most of us want is a fellow traveller who understands and is able to encourage and bring hope because they have the scars to demonstrate they are an overcomer.