Vulnerability is a source of strength and connection at work, but setting boundaries is crucial for appropriate and effective vulnerability.
Fostering psychological safety and shifting cultural norms are essential for organizations to encourage vulnerability and create an authentic and diverse workplace.
Deep dives
The Importance of Vulnerability at Work
Brené Brown and Adam Grant discuss the significance of vulnerability in the workplace. They highlight how vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness, but research shows that it is actually a source of strength and connection. The conversation delves into why people struggle to be vulnerable at work, with fears of judgment and concerns about maintaining competence. Brown emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries when it comes to vulnerability and understanding that vulnerability looks different for everyone. The conversation also touches on the role of authenticity and the need for psychological safety in creating a culture where vulnerability is embraced.
The Challenges of Being Vulnerable in a Performance-Oriented Culture
Brown and Grant explore the difficulties of being vulnerable in a performance-oriented culture, where proving strength and competence is highly valued. They discuss the fear of shame and how it hinders individuals from embracing vulnerability. Brown explains that vulnerability is a big ask in environments where masculine norms prioritize being perceived as strong and avoiding any hint of weakness. Grant adds that women also face challenges with vulnerability, often dealing with the pressure of being perceived as perfect. They conclude that fostering psychological safety and shifting cultural norms are crucial for organizations to encourage vulnerability.
Appropriate Vulnerability and Building Trust
The conversation dives into the intricacies of appropriate vulnerability and building trust at work. Brown stresses that vulnerability is not about disclosing everything or being emotionally transparent all the time. Rather, it's about having boundaries and being selective about what and how much to share. Grant shares his personal experience of finding a balance between privacy and vulnerability. They discuss the importance of clarifying what closeness means to individuals and how different people have different comfort levels with sharing personal information. Both emphasize that authenticity is more important than fitting in and that psychological safety creates space for diverse ways of being.
The Power of Language and Normalizing Discomfort
Language plays a crucial role in creating a culture of vulnerability and psychological safety. Brown highlights the significance of giving language to emotions and experiences, as it empowers people to understand, express, and manage them effectively. Grant and Brown discuss the value of normalizing discomfort and promoting a growth mindset that encourages taking on challenges and learning from failures. They also touch on the importance of using shared vocabulary to drive culture change. By embracing language and dialogue that support vulnerability and authenticity, organizations can foster an environment where individuals feel seen, respected, and supported.
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.
This was an episode of Taken for Granted, but now the podcast is called ReThinking with Adam Grant, and it’s back with weekly episodes. You can listen to them right here in the WorkLife feed, or by following ReThinking with Adam Grant wherever you are right now.
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