The Power of Vulnerability in Mentoring (Research Paper Sample)

The Power of Vulnerability in Mentoring
Most often, people try to hide their shortcomings because they reveal an undesirable aspect of their lives. However, this tendency is not only psychologically exhausting, but also prevents one from confronting and overcoming the cause of their problem (Brown, 2010). On the other hand, being vulnerable allows individuals to drop their pretenses and live in consistence with their values. It strengthens one to confront problems and seek solutions. In this regard, vulnerability is a powerful way of overcoming one’s fears. Subsequently, fearing to expose one’s weaknesses prevents him or her from understanding the root of the problem, and seeking help when it is necessary.
With regard to courage, vulnerability shows that one has come out of his or her shell, the false comfort zone that people create by hiding their failures, weaknesses, and defects. Moreover, vulnerability is one way of achieving self-awareness, because it puts one in the spot. Being conscious of one’s weaknesses and exposing them allows one to engage in introspection and reflect on their situation (Brown, 2010). Consequently, vulnerability provides a stepping-stone towards a better understanding of the self. This understanding is necessary in helping one to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them.
In mentoring, the client should be encouraged to expose, talk, and think about their weaknesses. In this regard, one requires courage to bare oneself to scrutiny and criticism. Similarly, courageous people are honest in revealing the problems that affect them. Through courage, one is prepared to understand and confront the shortcomings that limit his or her potential. For example, a person who admits to his or her poor academic performance places himself on the spot, which opens the way for reflection and dialogue concerning the cause of the problem. Secondly, vulnerability presents challenges to the ...