Strength-based approach (3) - Vulnerability

I loved this article by Angela Duckworth - https://characterlab.org/tips-of-the-week/v-for-vulnerability/. It spoke about vulnerability and to avoid projecting ourselves as perfect or basically as always being on top of things.

Also, it highlighted about sharing personal vulnerability when we fail and mess up, and to be kind when others slip up. It reminded me of my recent post on re-centering to maintain balance. I questioned myself when I found myself floundering that day. I also thought of others who are perpetually struggling and frequently feeling that they are "losers". Sharing our personal vulnerability reminds us of our frailties and to be gentle with others. It can be thought of as role-modelling especially important for educators in their classroom. When we bring that "human-ness" in our lessons, we reduce the distance between us and our students. Importantly, our responses can help model resilience for them. I think this is part of the strength-based approach oddly contrary as it might seem.

The strength-based approach recognises that strengths or talents are developmental that is they can be grown with intentional and repeated use. The implication of the theory of multiple intelligences views the person holistically; matching appropriate supports to grow talents or intelligences (aka strengths). The fact that strengths are developmental reminds us that everyone including educators like us are imperfect; and we can keep improving and growing with the right supports too. Hence sharing our vulnerability is an application of the strength-based approach and provides common ground for us to connect with others making it a powerful means of connection.

That experience of human frailties also hit me in another way as I thought of what it might mean in learning and work context for people who are struggling either with learning or working. Inclusion provided a different perspective in analysing the environment in terms of providing the appropriate supports instead of judging the problem as within the individual. At least for inclusive educators, this is critical in our lesson planning where we ought to consider a variety of supports to cater to diverse learners instead of viewing differences as a problem. Stay tune for more information on the universal design of learning (UDL) as means to catering to diverse learners.

#vulnerability #characterlab #strengthbased