Leading with Vulnerability: Lessons from Dare to Lead

In leadership, vulnerability is often misunderstood. Many associate it with weakness or emotional exposure, but as Brené Brown highlights in her book Dare to Lead, vulnerability is, in fact, a key driver of courage and trust. True leadership requires not just intellect and decisiveness but also the ability to connect authentically with others, even in moments of uncertainty.

What Is Vulnerability in Leadership? ???

Brown defines vulnerability as the courage to show up and be seen when you have no control over the outcome. This can be terrifying, especially for leaders who may feel the pressure to appear flawless. However, vulnerability is not about sharing everything; it’s about embracing risk, uncertainty, and emotional exposure for the sake of deeper connection and innovation.

Vulnerability, Brown argues, is the birthplace of creativity, innovation, and change. When leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable — whether by admitting they don’t have all the answers, owning mistakes, or seeking feedback — they create an environment of psychological safety where team members feel free to do the same. As a result, teams become more resilient and innovative.

Building Trust through Vulnerability ??

A key insight from Dare to Lead is the concept of "BRAVING", which outlines the elements of trust: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault (confidentiality), Integrity, Nonjudgment, and Generosity. Trust, according to Brown, is the glue that holds teams together, and it is built through vulnerability. Leaders who are willing to admit mistakes, ask for help, and show empathy foster trust within their teams.

For example, when a leader admits they don’t know how to solve a problem and asks the team for input, it not only builds trust but also encourages others to bring their best ideas forward without fear of judgment. Vulnerability allows teams to collaborate more openly and with greater authenticity.

Living into Our Values ??

Another critical part of daring leadership is aligning actions with core values. Brown argues that it's not enough to simply identify our values; leaders must live them daily. This means making decisions that are sometimes uncomfortable but in line with personal and organizational values. Leaders who consistently act with integrity, even when it's difficult, model the behavior they wish to see in their teams.

This alignment creates a culture of trust and credibility. When team members see their leaders living their values, they are more likely to do the same, creating an environment where accountability and ethical behavior thrive.

Courage in Leadership ??

Courage, Brown asserts, is the willingness to lean into discomfort and face challenges head-on. Courageous leaders embrace tough conversations and give clear, compassionate feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. As Brown says, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” Avoiding difficult discussions can breed resentment and confusion, but by addressing issues openly and respectfully, leaders create a culture of growth and transparency.

Learning to Rise from Failure ??

Failure is inevitable in leadership, but what differentiates daring leaders is their ability to rise after a setback. Brown introduces the concept of "Learning to Rise", a skill that involves acknowledging failure, understanding its impact, and using the experience as a springboard for growth. Leaders who model resilience in the face of failure encourage their teams to take risks, knowing that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Application to Project Management ??

In the world of project management, Brown’s principles of vulnerability, trust, and resilience are incredibly powerful. Project managers are often tasked with leading diverse teams through complex, uncertain environments, where the pressure to deliver results can make it tempting to shy away from vulnerability. However, by embracing vulnerability, project managers can create stronger, more cohesive teams.

Vulnerability in Uncertainty: Project management is filled with unpredictability, from changing client requirements to shifting deadlines. Admitting that you don’t have all the answers, while working collaboratively with your team to find solutions, builds trust and fosters innovation. Vulnerability here allows for a more agile approach to problem-solving.

Trust through BRAVING: The BRAVING framework applies directly to managing projects. Setting clear boundaries, being reliable in commitments, and holding team members accountable fosters trust and enables the team to work more efficiently. When confidentiality is respected (the "vault"), team members feel safer sharing concerns or ideas.

Resilience in Failure: Projects often encounter setbacks — whether due to missed deadlines, budget overruns, or unforeseen challenges. Applying Brown’s Learning to Rise principle, project managers can model resilience by acknowledging failures, extracting key lessons, and helping the team bounce back stronger. This mindset transforms failures into opportunities for continuous improvement.

Practical Steps for Leading with Vulnerability ??♂?

So how can you integrate these lessons into your leadership style? Here are a few practical steps:

Embrace uncertainty: Vulnerability means accepting that you won’t always have the answers. Instead of shying away from this, use it as an opportunity to foster collaboration.

Model trust: Use the BRAVING framework to build trust. This includes keeping promises, respecting boundaries, and maintaining confidentiality.

Live your values: Don’t just talk about values—live them. Make decisions that align with your core values, even when they are difficult.

Cultivate empathy: Empathetic leaders build stronger, more connected teams. Take time to understand where your team members are coming from and provide support when needed.

Learn from failure: Use setbacks as opportunities to grow. Be open about your own mistakes and model resilience for your team.

The Results of Vulnerable Leadership ??

When leaders embrace vulnerability, they create an environment where trust, empathy, and creativity thrive. Teams become more engaged, innovative, and willing to take risks. By leading with authenticity and courage, leaders not only build stronger teams but also drive better results.

Final Thought ???

How are you bringing vulnerability into your leadership practice? Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s start a conversation about how we can all lead with more courage, empathy, and trust. ??