When we think of leaders, one of the last things that comes to mind is vulnerability. Our culture has been primed to believe true leaders are forward-thinking and brash, and they are often remembered as proactive, wise and infallible. Most aren’t known for being emotional, let alone asking for help or making mistakes!
However, is that what qualifies one as a truly effective leader? As we head into the 21st century, this kind of leadership has been called into question. If someone in charge isn’t willing to let their guard down or take responsibility for their actions, are they as innovative and brave as we think they are? How many opportunities are lost when they don’t seek an outside opinion or fear that they might look weak?
Brené Brown is a researcher, writer and public speaker who specializes in vulnerability. In her latest book, Dare to Lead, she explores an entirely different brand of leadership, arguing that in order for you to lead, you can’t go it alone. It is only through remaining open, monitoring your behavior, and accepting feedback (especially suggestions that are hard to hear) that you can truly thrive and be a good example.
Here is the description on Amazon:
“Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential.
“When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work.
“But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start.
“Four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question:
“How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?
“In this new book, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the no-BS style that millions of readers have come to expect and love.
“Brown writes, ‘One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.’
“Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership.”
