You would be AMAZED at how choosing to be genuinely vulnerable with others is incredibly empowering. It actually speaks to your strength of character. There’s nothing else that creates a quicker connection nor a more healthy opening for genuine interaction and effective solutioning than choosing to be vulnerable.
The next time you’re at an impasse with someone, or with a situation, consider expressing how you really feel (underneath the defensive frustration.) Here's a few phrases to try on:
- I’m really confused here…
- This feels wrong, but I don’t know what else to do.
- Wow, you’re right; I totally dropped the ball on that one. What do you suggest I/we do from here?
- I’m totally at a loss…
- You’re really important to me and the way this is going down feels crappy and I don’t know how to turn it around.
- I feel like an idiot here. Can you help me understand…?
- Help me understand, how did we get here?
- Help me understand why you’re so frustrated with me?
- I can honestly say I’m heartbroken over…
- I know something’s not right, but I simply can’t see it. Can you see what I’m missing?
- I’m so very sorry. And there is no excuse. Is there a way I can make this right?
- I hate to admit this, especially as the big cheese, but I’ve gotten kind of rusty at this. Will you show me again how to do this?
- I totally own that one...
- I didn’t always know this - I learned the hard way when I goofed up...
- I’m terrified. And I have all the faith in the world that if anyone can make this work, we can.
- I knew the right answer and I took the easy way out causing...
- I am so embarrassed. I can’t believe I...
- I literally stayed up last night worried about...
And let me know how it goes ;)
