Vulnerability is a way to access our humanity. Now more than ever, we need to tap into this abundant resource to form deeper connections that bring us together. 

We are encouraging you to explore vulnerability in all facets of your life — from forming meaningful connections through your branding, to connecting in your personal and professional life. Here are some idea starters for different situations.

Use storytelling to connect your customers with your values. Dove, “the home of real beauty” is known for their ads and campaigns that are genuinely dedicated to inspiring confidence in women. Check out their latest campaign to support frontline healthcare workers.

Engage, respond. Use social media to respond to your customers. Check out Merriam-Webster’s surprisingly funny and useful responses to customers’ questions using #AskMW.

Have a meaningful conversation with a stranger. Attend a virtual Skip the Small Talk event. They use research and visceral conversation starters to encourage friends and strangers alike to connect on a genuine level.

Try something you might not be good at. The learning process builds empathy, practices the benefits of failing, and pushes us past fears of embarrassment. Need a place to start? Check out Duolingo to learn a new language,  Headspace to practice mindfulness, or Yousician to learn an instrument.

Acknowledge the risks and benefits of vulnerability. This TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability captures the complexity of moments in which we are vulnerable and reveals the freedom and exuberance that they unlock. 

Cultivate a culture of humility and learning. By modeling a growth mindset, you can foster a culture that thrives on challenges and emphasizes learning from failure.

Harness the power of ‘and’ with your colleagues. Nothing shuts down an idea faster than interjecting a ‘but’. And your colleague is less likely to float an idea or ask a question next time. Instead, harness the power of ‘and’ by saying “that’s an interesting idea, and you might also consider…” Read more about it on PWC’s blog.

Consider how you word your questions. Research conducted by TIME, found that in competitive settings, the way a question is worded can have dramatic outcomes in what information is shared.

Opening up can be scary, but in the times of social distancing and virtual events, vulnerability can cultivate meaningful connections that we could all benefit from. 

Take our vulnerability challenge: try one of these recommendations and let us know how it worked. We’re grateful for your feedback.

—P.S. Check out our events calendar that’s packed with virtual classes and other resources that are great for sparking inspiration and stretching the head and the hear