New Paper: Vulnerability, Calmness, and Nordic Leadership
I am pleased to share my latest paper, which argues that calmness, concentration, and a touch of coldness, when combined, cultivate a vulnerable leadership style that fosters trust and resilience.
In much of today’s leadership discourse, vulnerability is praised but often vaguely defined—sometimes confused with oversharing or weakness. My paper challenges this, contending that calmness, focus, and emotional coolness—although frequently underestimated—are essential to creating openness and psychological flexibility in leaders. Drawing from Nordic leadership traditions, I clarify how these qualities can empower leaders rather than hinder them.
Using a phenomenological lens, I weave a personal anecdote with leadership theory and psychological research. This offers a new perspective on how these understated qualities allow leaders to be both vulnerable and resilient, attentive and adaptive.
The paper suggests that calmness, concentration, and coldness are not barriers to connection but qualities that help leaders hold space for others, nurture trust, and strengthen teams. They form the backbone of trust-based leadership, which balances vulnerability and steadiness, ultimately benefiting both individuals and organizations.
You can read it here
FINN JANNING 