What role does vulnerability play in innovation, performance, and success within our organizations and our lives?
Could it be that cultivating vulnerability in ourselves and others has more power than developing talent?
These are questions that are floating around in my head courtesy of Brene Brown’s TEDx video titled “The power of vulnerability.” Some 5 million people have watched this video, so it’s very possible that you’ve already seen it. I’m not sure how I’d not seen it until recently. Several people had mentioned it to me over time, but I just hadn’t made the time to watch it.
That was a mistake.
In this video, Brene lays out some really compelling ideas based on her research into human connection. The message packs a punch, not only for us as individuals, but also for us as leaders and architects of the experience of work.
Don’t make the same mistake I did. Take 20 minutes today or this weekend and watch this. Then, let me know what you think.
If you can’t view the video here, you can find it at this link as well: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
This is probably one of my favorite Ted talks. Just the title sums it up so well – being vulnerable really is something that is powerful, and an act of courage, yet it’s so often seen as a weakness.
I think it ties in closely with an idea that many companies these days try to promote, which that its ok to fail, as long as you learn from those failures and mistakes. It takes a lot of courage (and willingness to be vulnerable!) to admit you’ve made a mistake, but that you will learn from it and move forward. This message would definitely be of great value in that kind of context.
Just my opinion though 🙂
Her follow up talk ‘Listening to shame’ is also great!