I'm halfway through listening to Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. You know how audible allows you to 'clip' sections of the book you're listening to and add notes to return to later? Well, I reckon I've clipped more in this book than any other I've listened to. If you're interested in becoming a more rounded leader, parent, sister, brother or friend then I recommend this book. Authenticity can be an overused word but she goes deep on a range of topics that I guess contribute to each of us being our authentic selves: vulnerability, courage, shame and empathy. I felt compelled to share an insight (before finishing the book) from the section where Brené explores the culture created by corporates, families and groups. The work they do and the connections they create.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” - Brené Brown
By asking these 10 questions she says she can tell a lot about the culture and the resulting behaviours of the people within it. It struck me that these questions are a great sense-check and can help us all evaluate the cultural dynamics we find ourselves part of (and are in some way responsible for) in each strand of our lives. Perhaps more importantly, they can help us decide on the parts we're willing to live with and the parts we are prepared to step forward and try to change.
Main image by Muhd Asyraaf on Unsplash