Here’s our “ideal” leader: Someone who is confident, infallible, authoritative, always has the right answers and never shows weakness. Now meet our “not-so-typical” leader: Someone who admits to not having all the answers, is willing to show vulnerability,foster a culture of trust and respect, and embraces his humanity instead of projecting invincibility. Which one would you be? And, do you have the courage to be what you chose?Well, doesn’t take a genius to guess that, Brené Brown, the author of...
Being vulnerable isn't a weakness
Can you find the common thing in the following scenarios? The first date after a divorce, starting a new business, apologizing to a colleague, getting feedback, and getting fired. Hint? In all these situations, you’re putting yourself out there, showing you don't have all the answers, owning up to something, or taking a risk. Did you get it now? Well, it’s vulnerability – an extremely common feeling, in fact a universal human emotion, where we expose ourselves to others and...
Daring leaders provide and encourage honest feedback to foster continuous improvement
Kenneth Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, once said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” It’s the base from which you forge your path to greatness. You gotta welcome it, learn from it, and adapt based on it. That’s how you grow; that’s how courageous leaders improve.In fact, honest feedback, when delivered constructively, also builds trust. It demonstrates a leader's belief in their team's capabilities and creates a safe space where people feel comfortable taking risks and learning from...
Core values light the way for leaders when they get lost in the arena
You're a gladiator stepping into the arena. The roar of the crowd is deafening, the sunlight is blinding, and every move is scrutinized by a chorus of critics. This “in the arena” feeling is straight out of our book and it perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by daring leaders.Just like a gladiator, leaders can easily become overwhelmed in the face of constant pressure and criticism. The "arena effect" can lead to decisions driven by fear leading to a disconnect from...
Daring leaders build strong teams on the foundation of trust
“Trust Me!” How many times have you heard it before? A lot, definitely, we’re guessing! But did you trust when the person asked you to? Most probably not! It’s because we don’t earn trust by simply demanding it. The reason trust can be challenging is because it goes beyond simply having a good feeling about someone. True trust is built through consistent actions. True trust is earned when you say, in Brown’s words, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what...
Leaders need a safety net
Have you ever heard the story of Icarus? In Greek mythology, he was a young man who defied gravity with wings crafted from feathers and wax. Daring and ambitious, he soared ever closer to the sun. But as the myth goes, he flew too high, the wax melted, and he met a tragic end.This cautionary tale often gets applied to leadership – a warning against recklessness. But what if there's another lesson to be learned from Icarus's fall? What if...
Let go of perfectionism
Who doesn’t love thinking about a vacation? So, let’s take you on one – imaginary, of course! You're on vacation, ready to conquer your fear of heights. You stand at the edge of the pool, heart hammering, picturing a graceful swan dive. But then, the voice in your head whispers, "What if you belly flop? Everyone will stare!" Suddenly, the crystal-clear water looks suspiciously like concrete.Sound familiar? We’re often told perfectionism is a form of self-improvement – striving to be...
Chapter 9
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Summary
Leaders who embrace vulnerability unlock a powerful toolkit: courage to tackle challenges, creativity to find solutions, and the emotional intelligence to navigate difficult conversations. Let go of perfectionism and step into the arena of daring leadership.
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About the Author
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business.
Brené has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers and is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
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