Leadership Book Review: Dare to Lead

Are you ready to “rumble”? No, I’m not talking about a fight!

I’m referring to Brené Brown’s book, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts., and the idea of having tough conversations to identify and solve messy problems. That kind of rumble.

In this book, Brown, renowned author and research professor at the University of Houston, applies her extensive knowledge and research around vulnerability to leadership. She believes a true leader exhibits vulnerability, truth, resilience and connection with people.

This book is not only recommended because it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller; it is recommended because it is an evidence-based practical guide to a new approach in leadership.

Brown explains four skill sets for a modern-day leader:

• Rumble with Vulnerability – Brown uses the word rumble to say, “Let’s have a real conversation, even if it’s tough.” Leaders need to step bravely into potentially challenging conversations with an open heart and mind.
• Living into Our Values – A leader not only needs to conduct themselves properly but should align their behaviors with their values.
• Braving Trust – Leaders need to ensure their teams feel safe, seen, heard and respected in order to be fully trusted.
• Learning to Rise – Brown suggests leaders should be taught the same way a person learns to skydive. They do not first learn how to land while jumping out of the plane. They learn to land on the ground before taking their first jump. So should leaders. They need to have the opportunity to practice their leadership skills in a simple, short and safe environment. Thus, leaders should learn by slowly rising to the position.

With all the ideas and practical applications to be a “daring leader” in this book, I highly recommend you initially read it all the way through to understand the general concepts. Then, re-read a section of the book each month or so. This will allow you to better apply some of the suggestions and integrate them into your life and work slowly. You may even find a month is not long enough.

The biggest takeaway is the collective seven behaviors that help cultivate trust in our relationships with others — personal and professional. Brown uses the acronym “BRAVING” to indicate we must be brave to adopt these behaviors in order to gain trust.

Yes, this book is an actionable leadership handbook with research to back up each suggested behavior change. However, Brown's writing style empowers you to be courageous and become a “daring leader”!

Let’s get ready to rumblllllllllllllllle!