Avoiding vulnerability is a common coaching response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and coaching opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Coaching
- Concealing coaching from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when coaching is high is enormous
- Shame about coaching thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of coaching often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Coaching
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in coaching) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and coaching. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Coaching
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.