Throughout my long AIESEC experience I read a lot of books, papers and articles on leadership. I came across a lot of interesting views on leadership, approach to teamwork, performance and other leadership and management related topics. “Dare to lead“ by Brené Brown, an American professor and writer, definitely stood out. It perfectly described leadership problems I faced throughout many experiences in the organization, and Brené gave us many amazing tools to use in everyday work with our teams to ensure we are leading from heart.
A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential
Brené’s definition of leadership resonates with … TBC more personal and re-do the summary below + add how to use it in aiesec
In this blog post, we will provide a concise summary of the key principles and takeaways from this remarkable book.
Vulnerability as a Strength:
Brene Brown argues that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a source of strength. Authentic leadership involves acknowledging our own imperfections and embracing vulnerability, which can foster trust and connection with our teams. To dare to lead is to embrace vulnerability, even in moments of uncertainty.
The Armor We Wear:
Brown discusses the armor we put on to protect ourselves in the workplace. These defenses, such as perfectionism and the fear of failure, hinder our ability to connect with our teams and lead effectively. To be a daring leader, one must shed this armor and be open to genuine connection.
Trust and Empathy:
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Brown highlights the importance of building trust through empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe space for open communication. Vulnerability and trust are intertwined, and leaders must be willing to trust in order to be trusted.
Values and Ethics:
Daring leaders are guided by a strong sense of values and ethics. They create an ethical culture within their organizations, setting the tone for integrity and accountability. Brown emphasizes that values should not be mere posters on the wall but should be lived and demonstrated through actions.
Rising Strong:
In the face of failure and setbacks, daring leaders "rise strong." They learn from their mistakes, rather than letting them define their identity. This resilience and willingness to confront adversity head-on are key attributes of courageous leadership.
Feedback and Productive Conversations:
Productive feedback conversations are essential for growth and improvement. Brown provides guidance on how to engage in these difficult dialogues and how to make them a positive and growth-oriented experience for both leaders and team members.
Braving Trust:
Brown introduces the acronym "BRAVING" as a framework for building trust. It stands for boundaries, reliability, accountability, vault (keeping confidences), integrity, non-judgment, and generosity. Leaders who embody these principles can create a culture of trust within their organizations.
"Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown is a beacon of wisdom in the world of leadership. It challenges conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy. To dare to lead is to have the courage to be imperfect, to forge connections, and to create a culture of trust and accountability. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, the principles in this book can help you become a more effective and courageous leader in today's complex and ever-changing business landscape. So, dare to lead, and inspire those around you to do the same.
If you want to know more, make sure you read the whole book - you can purchase it here. You can also fin a lot of additional documents, like a workbook that goes alongside the book, for free on Brené’s hub (brenebrown.com).
Author: Nevena Petrović, President of AIESEC in Serbia