Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Book reviewed by Elizabeth Rzoska, Learning Designer

Brené Brown ’s Dare to Lead is a powerful exploration of courage, vulnerability, and leadership that extends far beyond the realm of corporate leadership. While the book primarily focuses on this domain, its principles offer profound insights for project managers seeking to foster high-performing, innovative teams.

Brown’s central principle—that courage is not the absence of fear but action in spite of it. That phrase really resonated deeply with me and the challenges I face as a Project Manager, Learning Designer and Operation Manager daily. Delivering projects on time, within budget, and to exceptional quality often requires taking risks, making tough decisions, and embracing uncertainty. Brown’s framework, grounded in vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity, provides a robust compass for navigating these complexities.

Building trust is paramount in successful project management. Brown’s concept of ‘braving trust’ offers a practical blueprint for cultivating trust within project teams. By explicitly defining shared values, boundaries, accountability, and commitment, project managers can create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to contribute fully and openly.

Additionally, Brown's emphasis on vulnerability is particularly relevant to project management. The dynamic nature of projects often needs course corrections and admitting mistakes. By embracing vulnerability, project managers can create a culture where learning from failures is encouraged and where team members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.

While Dare to Lead is primarily aimed at leadership roles, its lessons are equally valuable for individual contributors to a project. By embodying courage, vulnerability, and empathy, project managers can become more effective collaborators, problem-solvers, and change agents.

Ultimately, Dare to Lead is not a quick fix but a roadmap for a journey. It requires ongoing commitment and practice. However, for project managers seeking to create high-performing, innovative, and human-centered teams, this book is a necessary resource.

By applying Brown’s principles, project managers can foster a culture of courage, collaboration, and creativity, ultimately leading to more successful project outcomes.

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