Image: Dare to Lead by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)
Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 9 out of 10. An excellent book on leadership that introduces the concept of vulnerability as the foundation of developing strengths, such as courage, integrity, authenticity and connection.
BY LEN LANTZ, MD, author of unJoy / 6.28.2021; No. 34
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Star Rating – 9 out of 10
Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow
Author
Brené Brown
About the author
Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, is a best-selling author on topics related to leadership, vulnerability, shame, courage and empathy.
General description
Dare to Lead is a book about daring leadership and what it takes to show the leadership qualities most people admire. It also addresses how these qualities can be either engrained in or driven out of any organization. In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown incorporates ideas from her previous books and shares new concepts in a manner that is meaningful and cohesive. Topics covered in this book include:
Introducing the concept of rumbling, which is to enter into tough conversations with others (with some rules and boundaries in place)
Addressing the myths of vulnerability
Contrasting armored leadership and daring leadership
Explaining the negative impact of perfectionism on organizational culture
Confronting shame
Unique and most important aspects
Dare to Lead was given to me by a close friend who knows I’m always on the lookout for a good book on leadership. Brené Brown’s focus on vulnerability as a key leadership quality is the signature contribution that she brings forward in this book. The other important leadership qualities flow from the aspect of vulnerability. For example, courage does not exist without the risk of vulnerability. Dr. Brown also talks at length about integrity, knowing your values, meaningful connection to others and empathy. I believe that this is a great book and one that I will continue to reference as I reflect on my strengths and work to improve my weaknesses as a leader.
I have a few minor concerns with the book. The back cover states that “Brené brings decades of research to bear,” however, the text is filled with stories and anecdotes, not peer-reviewed research. Having said that, Dr. Brown shares personal stories that are, at times, unflattering to illustrate key points, thereby modeling the courage and mindfulness that she encourages others to develop. Important features of this book include:
The Rumble Tool
Giving yourself a “permission slip” before a meeting to proactively address fear and stay open-minded
The TASC approach for accountability and success of clarifying what an outcome needs to look like
The relationship between curiosity, creativity and knowledge-building
The Braving Inventory
Best quotes
“A rumble is a discussion, conversation, or meeting defined by a commitment to lean into vulnerability, to stay curious and generous, to stick with the messy middle of problem identification and solving, to take a break and circle back when necessary, to be fearless in owning our parts, and, as a psychologist Harriet Learner teaches, to listen with the same passion with which we want to be heard.”
“The stealth intention is a self-protection need that lurks beneath the surface and often drives behavior outside of our values. Closely related is the stealth expectation – a desire or expectation that exists outside our awareness and typically includes a dangerous combination of fear and magical thinking. Stealth expectations almost always lead to disappointment, resentment, and more fear.”
“Curiosity is an act of vulnerability and courage.”
“The people who are the most generous in their assumptions of others have the clearest boundaries. The most compassionate and generous people I’ve interviewed in my career are the most boundaried.”
Who would enjoy this book?
Anyone interested in a deep, mindful and unique approach to leadership would likely enjoy Dare to Lead.
Who would not enjoy this book?
People who are interested in a leadership guide that does not involve introspection and change are unlikely to enjoy Dare to Lead.
Conclusion
Dare to Lead is an excellent book on leadership that introduces the concept of vulnerability as the foundation of developing strengths, such as courage, integrity, authenticity and connection.