Question
In the context of leadership, Brené Brown defines vulnerability as the emotion we experience during times of risk, uncertainty, and exposure. It's not about winning or losing, but about showing up when the outcome is uncertain. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness and it's not something we can avoid. As humans, we are hardwired to connect with others. Trust and vulnerability grow together, over time. If we avoid connection and shield ourselves from feedback, we stop growing. If we define ourselves by what others think of us, it's hard to be brave. But, if we stop caring about what anyone thinks, we're too locked away in our armor to make authentic connections.
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Brown defines vulnerability as the emotion we experience during times of risk, uncertainty, and exposure. It is not a question of winning or losing but of showing up when you don't know the outcome. Vulnerability does not mean weakness and it isn't something we can avoid—as a species, we are hardwired to want to connect. Trust and vulnerability grow together, over time. Marriage expert John Gottman PhD has found that trust is "built in very small moments." If we avoid connection with others and shield ourselves from feedback, we stop growing. And, if we define ourselves by what others think of us, it's hard to be brave. But, if we stop caring about what anyone thinks, we're too locked away in our armor to make authentic connections.
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