MANY executives cringe if you bring up the idea of vulnerable leadership. But it’s the super skill that can make the difference between one who struggles and one who outperforms.

For many of us, the term vulnerability carries negative connotations and gives rise to notions of weakness, personal mistakes, and even professional danger, as well as feelings of fear, uncertainty and shame. It’s a common misconception.

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of leadership, I’m seeing a paradigm shift around this. While cultural differences between East and West have historically shaped distinct leadership styles, the embrace of vulnerability is emerging as a common thread that bridges these divides.