Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and bestselling author, dives deep into the transformative power of vulnerability in the workplace. She uncovers how shedding our armor can strengthen connections and enhance leadership. The conversation reveals the fine line between openness and boundaries while navigating tough discussions. Brown emphasizes that true vulnerability is about intentional sharing, urging listeners to embrace discomfort for personal and professional growth.
Vulnerability at work is about embracing uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure for courage and growth.
Shedding armor, embracing imperfections, and focusing on learning and stretching can lead to increased authenticity and fulfillment.
Deep dives
Dispelling the Myth of Vulnerability as Weakness
In this podcast episode, Adam Grant interviews Brené Brown, a social work professor and bestselling author known for her research on vulnerability. Brown explains that vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness due to societal conditioning, but, in reality, it is about embracing uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. She emphasizes that vulnerability is essential for courage and growth, sharing anecdotes from soldiers, athletes, and leaders who recognize its importance. At work, people often feel pressure to put on armor and avoid vulnerability, leading to cynicism, perfectionism, and other forms of defense. Brown advocates for dispelling the myth of vulnerability as weakness and creating a culture that values authenticity and connection.
The Power of Shedding Armor and Embracing Imperfection
Grant and Brown discuss how people often develop armor, such as expertise or performance, to protect themselves from vulnerability. They share personal stories about how armor can hinder personal and professional growth and prevent true connection. Brown highlights the importance of shedding the armor that no longer serves us and embracing imperfections. By shifting the focus from proving and perfecting to learning and stretching, individuals can experience increased authenticity and fulfillment.
The Challenges of Vulnerability in Different Gender Norms
Brown and Grant explore the challenges of embracing vulnerability based on gender norms. They discuss how men often face societal pressure to avoid vulnerability due to the association of vulnerability with weakness, while women face pressure to be perfect and avoid imperfections. They examine the fear of shame as a barrier to vulnerability and how vulnerability can clash with traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity. Brown advocates for a shift to more inclusive conversations around vulnerability that transcend gender norms and focus on the importance of emotional connection.
Navigating Vulnerability in a Performance-Oriented Culture
They address the fear of being seen as incompetent or weak in a performance-oriented culture and discuss the delicate balance of appropriate vulnerability. Brown stresses the importance of defining boundaries and understanding the intention behind vulnerability. She suggests that vulnerability should be driven by a desire to move work, connection, or relationships forward, rather than using the workplace as a space to work out personal issues. They highlight the significance of psychological safety and offer strategies to manage vulnerability in the workplace, including setting clear intentions for conversations and understanding individual support needs.
We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work — and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work. The transcript for this episode is available at go.ted.com/RT-vulnerability
