What is my biggest take away from Daring Greatly by Brene Brown?
While in my PhD program I clung on to theory espoused values vs. values in action coined by Chris Argyris. It taught me, as a leader, to identify my values, articulate a concrete action plan, and consistently reflect and revisit that plan throughout a school year to ensure that my values were truly “in action.” This theory influences my leadership vision, and helps me to outline my professional goals each year. In essence it serves as my personal and professional road map for the year and beyond. The process is private as I reflect, plan and propose, and then shared among my leadership team in the form of goals. The process is thought provoking and valuable but I can’t say it pushes me out of my comfort zone.
After reading Daring Greatly, I believe to be a great leader, or a full human being for that matter, you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability. I do so in part, but not fully to the point of embracing discomfort as a means toward growth, my own, or to encourage the growth of others. As Brown notes vulnerability includes “feeling” instead of just thinking, and “being” instead of just knowing. I need to make that leap, and push myself to fully engage, question, feel, be and most importantly articulate, communicate what I am “feeling” and demonstrate what I “being.” By doing this I will be more present, more available for new ideas, and possibly more in tune with the needs, fears, and ideas of others. How does one do this? I believe one way is by listening in a different way. Being fully present anytime one is engaged with a person whether listening or interacting within a classroom is also essential. Empathizing more and trying to understand the why behind a position one has.This will open up the lines of communication, enable me to give feedback and help others recognize the gifts that surface when one embraces vulnerability. When modeling risk taking, or introducing a new idea, it is important that I explain the why behind it. As an advocate of change I tend to think that incremental moves will lead folks toward a guided path. From my experience that does occur. However, if I explain the why and/or embrace a bit of unknown, maybe more ideas from others will surface as well. If I embrace discomfort, help those I interact with to embrace discomfort - creativity and innovative ideas may surface. I want to be a courageous leader and a wholehearted person. What are your thoughts?
