Summary: Brené Brown's Dare to Lead

Brown says that “the two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: Me, too.” Empathy is very important in leadership as it requires the leader to take someone else’s perspective and to understand another person’s feelings. Instead of forcing her theories on managing interpersonal relationships at work, Brown argues for vulnerability. She describes it as having tough, truthful conversations without the risk of penalization. Brown writes that a wholehearted leader manages people by leading them from the heart. He wouldn’t be threatened by showing his own imperfections.

She explains that truly daring leaders are prepared to be vulnerable and to listen without interrupting. They have sincere empathy. They connect to the emotions that underlie an experience, not just to the experience itself. These leaders have increased self-awareness and self-love. This is because who we are is how we lead. Brown’s research findings can easily be translated to parenthood, marriages and even government.

cultivate more trust in our relationships. BRAVING stands for Boundary-setting, Reliability, Accountability, Vault-closing, Integrity, Non-judgement and Generosity. This is an easy acronym that a leader can remember. Whenever he is in a difficult situation that requires clarity and communication to solve, he can dig into these behaviors to find the best person who can help get things back on track.