To be vulnerable with others means to open yourself up by sharing your thoughts, feelings and experiences – including your weaknesses and insecurities. It’s about laying yourself bare and letting others see you for who you truly are. But is showing vulnerability in the workplace appropriate? We spoke to three barbershop owners to hear their thoughts…
Sam Campagna, owner of Barbone
Sam says: “When people talk about vulnerability in the workplace, it always strikes a chord with me. It’s not just some fluffy nonsense, it’s one of the key pillars of a successful team. Patrick Lencioni nailed it in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – if you’re not willing to be vulnerable, you’re holding the whole group back. It’s not about constantly apologising for being useless – that’s just incompetence. It’s about building trust by being honest, open and human.
“In the hair industry, whether you’re running a business, teaching, or basking in your internet fame, there’s this constant pressure to be flawless. You’re wearing a crown, and everyone’s watching. ‘Never let them see you sweat,’ they say. Absolute rubbish. People can smell the fear. Real leadership is saying, ‘I got that wrong,’ or ‘I need help.’ That’s what earns respect.
“Whether it’s work or relationships, vulnerability is how you move forward. A team that owns up, laughs, learns, and cracks on will always outdo one that pretends it’s perfect.”
Carol Black, owner of Black Creative Studio
Carol says: “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to show vulnerability within the workplace – it can only set a foundation for trust and good communication.
“Relationships are formed on vulnerability. If you don’t open up to your peers, you can’t expect anything in return. To either your work colleagues or a client, being vulnerable can open up a pathway to discuss things that there may not have been a safe space for prior.
“On opening up I would say timing is the most important factor to consider. For example, I wouldn’t advise expressing vulnerabilities to a first-time client or a work colleague that you're still getting to know; you don’t want to come across too intense off of the bat. The conversation should flow naturally and confidently.”
Ry Lewis, owner of Club 13 and STMNT Grooming Ambassador
Ry says: "I don't just think it's appropriate, I think showing vulnerability is necessary in the workplace – particularly in our role as barbers. I have this opinion for several reasons, but primarily because the majority of my customers are men, who are notorious for not being vulnerable when they need to be and will bottle up their emotions. I know from personal experience how important it is to open up and offering clients a chance to speak their mind and seek advice in a safe and non-judgemental environment can do them the world of good.
“I'm very open with my clients about my struggles with mental health and ADHD, and from showing this vulnerable and honest side of me, about six of my clients have now sought diagnoses or have started to talk more about their struggles with mental health. This is why I will always encourage clients and colleagues to never be afraid of being vulnerable – there is nothing to be ashamed of and I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today without showing this side of myself and opening up in the workplace."
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