I often use slow times of the year to read psychologically oriented books that apply to my life. This Christmas, I picked up this book that deals with leadership and being up-front with emotions in the workplace. This book’s author served in the military before getting a PhD in sociology. Her topic of interest is vulnerability as a leadership trait.
The influx of women into the American workplace has changed workplace dynamics. This book – whose topic could not have even been conceived of fifty years ago – is further evidence of that. Top-down leadership is out while developing a flatter, healthier workplace environment is in.
I think we, both men and women, owe a lot to those, like Brown, who are acting to change workplace environments. I appreciate Brown’s emphasis on direct truth-speaking while she encourages us not to wander into “brutal” truth-speaking. She responsibly advises us to manage and express our emotions in a healthier way. In terms of values, she admonishes her readers to choose courage over comfort.
These concepts apply to either gender, but it is hard to read Brown’s words without considering the prism of gender. Feelings are human and not the sole possession of either men or women. However, their expression in social climates certainly tests one’s competency in gender issues. While I seek to be a male who is in touch with his feelings, I cannot imagine this book being written by a male who is not a therapist. But that’s a good thing. We need diverse voices to make our workplaces better.
This book’s greatest strength consists of taking away one’s emotional “armor” (accrued through years of unhealthy work experiences) and endeavoring to make the reader more emotionally engaged. One can see Brown’s expertise in the area of personal vulnerability. I’d like to hear more from Brown about how that influences social dynamics of a team – how vulnerability in a leader translates into team action and team results.
Overall, I always find myself grateful for occasionally reading books of a self-help ilk. They keep me from voyaging too far off the right path. Brown’s well-written book is no exception to this trend.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
by Brene Brown
Copyright (c) 2018
ISBN13 9781473562523
Page Count: 332
Genre: Self-Help, Business/Management
www.amazon.com