When I first read Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, it felt like she was speaking directly to me, and I imagine you’ll feel the same. This book isn’t just about leadership, it’s about showing up in life fully. Brené reminds us that vulnerability is the birthplace of courage, and to “dare greatly” is to let go of the need to be perfect and show up as we are—messy, raw, and real.
I want you to think about this: when was the last time you allowed yourself to be truly vulnerable? Not just going through the motions but really putting yourself out there, knowing there’s a chance you could fail or be hurt. Scary, right? But as Brené says in Call to Courage, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”
In my own leadership journey, I’ve learned that vulnerability is a key to unlocking real connection and trust. Whether leading a team or navigating a personal challenge, it’s the times when I’ve let down my guard and said, “I don’t have all the answers,” that have deepened my relationships and built stronger connections. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the strongest thing you can do.
Take a moment to reflect on the leaders you admire most. Chances are, they weren’t the ones who always appeared flawless and invincible. They were likely the ones who shared their journeys openly, acknowledged mistakes, and invited collaboration to overcome challenges. That’s the magic of vulnerability. It breaks down barriers and allows people to relate to one another on a human level.
As a leader, showing vulnerability can be as simple as admitting when you don’t have all the answers. Imagine leading a team meeting and, instead of pretending to have everything figured out, saying something like, “This is a new challenge for me too, and I’m not sure how we’ll solve it yet. But I believe we can figure it out together.” That statement alone can shift the energy in the room, opening the door to collaboration and innovation.
Why Vulnerability Is Your Superpower
We often equate vulnerability with weakness, but what if it’s actually your greatest strength? Brené’s work reminds us that vulnerability is about being brave enough to be ourselves in a world that constantly tells us to hide behind masks. Imagine walking into a room and not worrying about being judged, not needing to prove anything, just being fully you. That’s what it means to dare greatly.
When you show up authentically, you give others permission to do the same. You create a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. This is especially important in leadership. If you’re leading a team—whether it’s a small group or an entire organization—your willingness to be vulnerable sets the tone for everyone else. It opens the door for real conversations and genuine growth.
The Power of Showing UP
In Call to Courage, Brené talks about how vulnerability is about showing up, even when there are no guarantees. She shares this powerful moment:
“I’d rather have a heart full of scars than a life that never got off the sidelines.”
How true is that? How often do we hold ourselves back out of fear—fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of not being enough?
But here’s the thing—every time we step into vulnerability, we step into courage. You don’t have to be fearless to be brave. Courage is about showing up despite the fear. It’s about saying, “I don’t know how this will turn out, but I’m willing to try.” That willingness is where transformation happens.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the most powerful messages in Daring Greatly is the idea that we don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of love, connection, and success. Perfectionism is a trap that keeps us from truly daring greatly. It’s that voice in our heads that says, “I’ll wait until I’m ready,” or “What if I’m not enough?”
Here’s the truth: You are enough, right where you are, as you are. Your worth isn’t tied to your achievements or how perfectly you perform. It’s found in your willingness to show up, be seen, and risk vulnerability. I know firsthand that the more we embrace our imperfections, the more we give others permission to do the same.
Vulnerability in Leadership
When I work with leaders, one of the first things I emphasize is the power of vulnerability. When you’re leading a team, your willingness to be open and authentic sets the tone for everyone else. Brené talks about how vulnerability in leadership builds trust—and trust is the foundation of every strong team.
As a leader, when you admit you don’t have all the answers, you invite collaboration and innovation. When you share your own struggles, you give your team permission to be real about theirs. This creates a culture where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. And isn’t that what we all want—a team that feels empowered to show up fully?
Letting Go Of Fear
In Daring Greatly, Brené also talks about letting go of fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being enough. This is something I think we all struggle with. But here’s the key: you don’t need to be fearless to be brave. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the decision to show up in spite of it.
The next time you feel that fear creeping in, I want you to remember this: the bravest thing you can do is to keep showing up, even when you’re afraid. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that you grow the most, both as a leader and as a person.
Dare Greatly in Your Own Life
So, what does it mean for you to dare greatly? Maybe it’s having that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s pursuing that dream you’ve put on the back burner for too long. Or maybe it’s simply allowing yourself to be seen, fully and authentically, without hiding behind perfection.
As Brené says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” So, let’s make a pact to show up—flaws and all. Let’s embrace vulnerability as the path to growth, connection, and courage. You don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can dare greatly.
I'll leave you with these questions...
What’s one area of your life where you’re ready to step into vulnerability? How will you show up with courage, even when the outcome is uncertain?
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