Brené Brown Talks Leading with Vulnerability | How I Built This with Guy Raz | NPR

Transcript

hello welcome back everyone uh obviously we're gonna dive back into our conversation on leadership this time with somebody who has really built a career around helping leaders get better at what they do um i think if we were on stage right now at the yearbook buena center in san francisco people would be screaming and just like wow my god that woul... Read More

Summary

In this video, Brene Brown discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership with the host. She talks about her upbringing, her struggles with alcohol, and how she discovered the importance of vulnerability in her own life. She also explains how vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength, and how it is essential for good leadership. She shares insights on how vulnerability is connected to qualities like courage, trust, and empathy. Finally, she discusses the challenges of leading during the pandemic and the importance of creating a culture of trust and belonging in organizations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did Brene Brown feel like she didn't belong during her childhood?

Yes, from a very early age, she felt like she didn't fit in or belong. She couldn't figure out where she belonged and who her people were. Despite having a loving family, she knew she was different from them. She began to seek patterns in people's thinking, emotions, and behavior from an early age to have some sense of control in uncomfortable environments.

Q: Did Brene Brown struggle with vulnerability during her teenage years and 20s?

Yes, she struggled with vulnerability during her rebellious teenage years and when she struggled with alcohol in her 20s. She had to let her armor down and face her vulnerabilities when she joined Alcoholics Anonymous and started her journey to sobriety. It was a major turning point in her life and led her to discover the power of vulnerability.

Q: How did Brene Brown become attuned to vulnerability?

Brene Brown became attuned to vulnerability when she attended her first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. She was told that she had a "poo-poo platter of addictions" and needed to quit drinking, working excessively, emotionally eating, and being involved in family issues. She realized that her addictions were a way to avoid feeling uncertain, at risk, or out of control. She learned to face her vulnerabilities and eventually embraced vulnerability as a way to grow and find strength.

Q: How did Brene Brown come to view vulnerability as a pathway to good leadership?

Brene Brown's view on vulnerability as a pathway to good leadership was shaped through her research on leadership and her work with military personnel and teams at Google. She discovered that vulnerability is the emotion we experience when we are uncertain, at risk, or emotionally exposed. Through her research, she found that the highest-performing teams had a culture of psychological safety and trust, which are rooted in vulnerability. She came to the realization that vulnerability is the key to courage and is essential for true leadership.

Q: How did the transition towards vulnerability as a key leadership characteristic happen?

The transition towards vulnerability as a key leadership characteristic happened primarily due to the focus on performance. Traditional approaches to leadership, such as the "hire fire" mentality of the past, led to inconsistent performance and ineffective decision-making. However, studies like Project Aristotle at Google revealed that psychological safety, trust, and vulnerability were the foundations for high-performing teams. As organizations came to recognize the value of their people and the need for innovation, vulnerability became a key characteristic of effective leadership.

Q: Can vulnerability be hard for leaders who have certain privileges?

Yes, vulnerability can be harder for leaders who have certain privileges. Trauma, discrimination, harassment, and marginalization can make vulnerability more dangerous and difficult for individuals. Leaders have a responsibility to create a culture of belonging and brave spaces where vulnerability is not a privilege for a few, but something that everyone can safely and authentically embrace. It is important to recognize the impact of trauma, privilege, and systemic oppression on an individual's willingness and capacity to be vulnerable.

Q: How can leaders create environments where vulnerability is safe and supported?

Leaders can create environments where vulnerability thrives by placing a priority on representation and diversity. By developing a culture that values and respects all individuals, leaders can foster a sense of belonging and safety. Open and honest communication, care for one another, and creating spaces for vulnerability to be shared are key components. Additionally, leaders must address any culture of armor where vulnerability is avoided or punished, and actively work towards creating a brave space that encourages and supports vulnerability.

Q: Has leading through video platforms like Zoom been challenging for leaders?

Yes, leading through video platforms like Zoom has been incredibly challenging for leaders. The lack of in-person interactions and the limitations of technology have made it difficult to connect and create a sense of trust and psychological safety. Vulnerability is harder to convey through a screen, and leaders have had to find new ways to show care and support for their teams. The pandemic has forced leaders to rethink how they gather, communicate, and lead, and some have been successful by prioritizing their people and their well-being.

Q: Is it important for leaders to be liked by their team?

While being liked is not the primary goal, caring for and connecting with the people we lead is essential. Leaders don't necessarily need to strive to be liked, but they do need to prioritize building relationships and showing genuine affection for their team. When there is care and connection, people are more likely to trust and be inspired by their leader. It's about creating a culture of respect, empathy, and support, where the leader is seen as someone who truly cares about the well-being of their team.

Q: What does Brene Brown struggle with as a leader?

Brene Brown struggles with managing her time and finding uninterrupted periods for creativity and research. As a maker more than a manager, she finds it challenging to balance leadership tasks with the need for focused time to create and innovate. Additionally, she grapples with discernment, making difficult decisions, and finding the right balance between vulnerability and other leadership qualities. However, she has an incredible team and a culture of open and honest feedback, which helps her navigate these challenges and grow as a leader.

Takeaways

Vulnerability is a crucial element in effective leadership. It allows leaders to build trust, establish psychological safety, and create a culture of transparency and innovation. Despite the challenges, leaders should strive to embrace vulnerability and create spaces where it can be safely expressed. It is important for leaders to care for and connect with their team, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Leading with vulnerability is not about being liked, but about building relationships based on respect, empathy, and genuine affection. Even in the fast-paced world of startups, vulnerability should be baked into the leadership ethos from the beginning. Leading through virtual platforms like Zoom can be particularly challenging, but focusing on the well-being of the team and creating opportunities for connection and support can help navigate these difficulties. Overall, vulnerability and leadership go hand in hand, and embracing vulnerability is a pathway to courageous and effective leadership.