Brené Brown is a well-known researcher and author who talks about courage, vulnerability, and leadership. Her insights help us understand what it means to be a good leader. Instead of focusing only on power, she believes that leaders should connect with their teams, show empathy, and be brave. Her quotes inspire many people, showing them how to lead with heart and strength.
Today, we will look at some of Brené Brown’s most powerful quotes on leadership. These words remind us that being a leader is not just about making decisions. It’s also about being open, honest, and willing to learn from others. Let’s see how her ideas can help us all become better leaders.
Brene Brown Quotes On Leadership
“Daring leaders work to make sure people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.” – Brené Brown
This quote teaches us that leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels accepted. We all want to be ourselves and feel that our contributions matter. By encouraging authenticity and fostering connection, we become better leaders. Let’s remember that it’s our responsibility to create spaces where our team members can thrive and feel they belong.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that being vulnerable can lead to exciting results in leadership. When we allow ourselves to be open and honest, we pave the way for new ideas and solutions. Embracing vulnerability allows us to connect with our teams on a deeper level, encouraging us all to innovate and grow together. It’s a vital part of effective leadership.
“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” – Brené Brown
This powerful statement makes us think about our choices as leaders. Choosing courage means taking risks and facing challenges, while choosing comfort is about staying in our safe zones. We must remember that true growth requires us to step outside our comfort zones, and as leaders, we should encourage others to do the same.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights an important aspect of leadership: it’s about caring for our teams. As leaders, our priority should be the well-being of those we lead. By focusing on their needs and supporting them, we foster stronger relationships and a more productive environment. We should always strive to be attentive and compassionate leaders.
“If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” – Brené Brown
This quote encourages us to seek input from those who are actively involved and invested in the same struggles. Feedback from someone who hasn’t shared similar experiences may lack depth. We must surround ourselves with people who also face challenges, as their insights will have more relevance and be more valuable for our growth as leaders.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that courage is not just about tackling big obstacles, but also about being present and authentic. When we show up as our true selves, it encourages others to do the same. As leaders, we should prioritize being visible and genuine, leading by example. This creates a culture of trust and openness.
“You cannot get to courage without walking through vulnerability.” – Brené Brown
This statement tells us that to become truly courageous, we must first embrace our vulnerabilities. It’s a necessary step in our journey as leaders. We should view vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, allowing room for growth and connection. By accepting our own vulnerabilities, we inspire others to do the same.
“Great leaders are not defined by the absence of weakness, but rather by the presence of clear strengths.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes that being a great leader isn’t about being perfect; it’s about knowing and leveraging our strengths. We should cultivate our abilities while acknowledging our weaknesses. Accepting this balance allows us to lead authentically and support our teams effectively. We can inspire confidence by focusing on our collective strengths.
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” – Brené Brown
This quote serves as a reminder that being there for our teams is crucial. The simple act of showing up can have a huge impact on those we lead. When we are present, we demonstrate that we care, fostering connection and support in challenging times. Let’s commit to being there for our teams, both physically and emotionally.
“We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration. As leaders, we shouldn’t feel we need to carry all the burdens alone. By working together, we can share responsibilities, celebrate success, and overcome obstacles. Together, we can achieve so much more in leading our teams, embracing a sense of community.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.” – Brené Brown
This statement highlights that being authentic requires daily effort. As leaders, it’s essential to make choices that reflect our true selves. We should continually strive to align our actions with our values, encouraging our teams to do the same. This fosters a culture of honesty and trust, where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” – Brené Brown
This quote suggests that each time we embrace the act of showing up, we become braver. Leadership isn’t just about strength; it involves taking steps toward courage, even when the outcome is uncertain. As we show up, we grow as individuals and leaders, inspiring others to join us on this path of bravery and resilience.
“We’re not here to be right; we’re here to get it right.” – Brené Brown
This quote encourages us to adopt a growth mindset. As leaders, it’s important to focus on progress rather than being correct all the time. By embracing a collaborative approach and learning from our experiences, we create an atmosphere of continuous improvement. Let’s encourage our teams to come together to discover the best solutions.
“Effective leaders are not interested in being ‘right’ all the time; they are interested in getting it right.” – Brené Brown
This statement emphasizes that good leaders prioritize effective decision-making over ego. Seeking the best solutions often requires humility and collaboration. We should listen to our team’s insights and opinions to achieve positive outcomes. As we practice this openness, we create a culture of trust, making it easier for everyone to contribute ideas.
“People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real heroes.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that true heroism lies in embracing and sharing our experiences, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. As leaders, we can find strength in vulnerability and inspire others to do the same. By sharing our stories, we create connections and demonstrate that everyone has a unique journey worth sharing.
“It’s hard to hate close up. Move in.” – Brené Brown
This statement encourages us to build connections with others. When we take the time to understand those around us, it becomes easier to empathize and appreciate their perspectives. As leaders, we should strive to grow closer to our team members. Building relationships fosters understanding and support in our shared challenges.
“Leaders must care for their people above all else.” – Brené Brown
This quote captures the heart of effective leadership: prioritizing the well-being of our team members. As leaders, we should always strive to support and uplift those we lead. When our teams feel cared for, they become more engaged and productive, which contributes to our collective success as a group.
“We don’t need more leaders. We need more leaders who are willing to have hard conversations.” – Brené Brown
This quote points to the importance of transparency and honesty in leadership. Instead of shying away from difficult discussions, we should embrace them as opportunities to grow and connect. As leaders, tackling challenging conversations head-on can lead to stronger teams, improved trust, and enhanced collaboration in our work together.
“You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” – Brené Brown
This quote embodies the idea of taking ownership of our experiences. As leaders, we should embrace our stories and understanding that they shape us. When we own our experiences, we nurture our self-worth and become more authentic. Let’s encourage our teams to embrace their stories so we can grow together as a community.
“The willingness to show up is the first step in creating a culture of courage.” – Brené Brown
This statement emphasizes that our presence and commitment lay the foundation for a courageous workplace culture. By being visible and taking risks, we inspire ourselves and others to embrace vulnerability. As leaders, we can create an encouraging environment that fosters creativity and innovation when we take that first courageous step together.
“Courage is not about being fearless. It’s about taking action in the face of fear.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. It encourages us to acknowledge our fears and move forward regardless. As leaders, we should inspire our teams to embrace their fears and act bravely. By facing challenges together, we can grow as individuals and strengthen our community.
“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity within our teams. We should create spaces where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. As leaders, we foster a sense of belonging when we encourage our team members to embrace their true selves. Let’s celebrate our differences and nurture an environment of unity and support.
“Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.” – Brené Brown
This powerful statement challenges the misconception that vulnerability is a weakness. Embracing our vulnerabilities allows for deeper connections and might create an environment of trust. As leaders, we must recognize the strength in being vulnerable and encourage others to see the value it brings. By overcoming this myth, we foster stronger connections as a community.
“When we have the courage to engage with the people around us, our lives become richer.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us of the importance of connection in our lives. By actively engaging with the people around us, we open ourselves to richer experiences and relationships. As leaders, we should prioritize building authentic connections with our teams to create a more joyful and productive environment. Together, our lives can become more fulfilling.
“Courage is contagious. When one person shows it, others can’t help but want to do the same.” – Brené Brown
This statement highlights the ripple effect of courage. When we demonstrate bravery, it inspires others to follow suit. As leaders, we have the power to influence our teams positively. Let’s be the role models who encourage our teams to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their own courage. Together, we can create a community of bravery.
“Connection is why we are here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown
This quote underscores the significance of connection in our lives. As leaders, we must prioritize building relationships within our teams. When we foster a sense of connection, we create a more meaningful and engaged atmosphere where everyone can thrive. Let’s commit to deepening those connections and making our work together fulfilling.
“True leaders are not those who merely hold positions of power; they pretend they have none.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that true leadership isn’t solely about authority. Effective leaders understand the importance of humility and serving others. By setting aside our power, we can build trust and respect among our teams, creating a collaborative environment. Let’s strive to lead with humility and focus on supporting one another as a community.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights that courage can come in small, quiet moments. It emphasizes that even on tough days, deciding to try again is an act of bravery. As leaders, we should encourage our teams to recognize these small victories and maintain their resilience. Together, we can inspire one another to keep pushing forward.
“Sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zone and take a leap of faith.” – Brené Brown
This statement urges us to embrace discomfort as part of growth. As leaders, we must remind ourselves and our teams that great achievements often lie beyond our comfort zones. By encouraging brave steps, we can cultivate an environment that thrives on growth and exploration. Let’s support one another in taking those leaps of faith together.
“We are hardwired for connection. We need it to survive.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes our innate need for connection. We should actively seek and nurture relationships within our teams, as they are vital for our emotional well-being. As leaders, let’s focus on fostering a supportive atmosphere where collaboration and connection can flourish, allowing everyone to thrive in their roles.
“Engaging in hard conversations is a vital part of being a leader.” – Brené Brown
This statement serves as a reminder of the value of open dialogue in leadership. Embracing difficult discussions helps us to grow and develop stronger relationships. As leaders, we should practice openness and encourage our teams to share their thoughts and feelings, creating a culture of trust and understanding within our organization.
“In the absence of trust, fear takes over.” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights the critical role of trust in leadership. Without trust, fear can fester within teams, leading to toxic environments. As leaders, we must work diligently to build trust with our teams by being transparent and reliable. Let’s foster open communication, so we can all feel secure and connected in our work together.
“When you’re brave enough to be vulnerable, you create a safe space for others.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes that vulnerability can encourage others to feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. As leaders, we should practice being open with our emotions, letting our teams know it’s okay to do the same. By creating a safe environment, we pave the way for greater collaboration and understanding within our teams.
“Being a leader is not about being perfect. It’s about being real.” – Brené Brown
This statement reminds us that authenticity is key to effective leadership. We don’t have to strive for perfection; instead, we should focus on being genuine and relatable. As leaders, being real encourages our teams to express themselves openly, fostering a culture of trust and connection that leads to greater collaboration and success.
“The greatest gift you can give yourself is your own self-acceptance.” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights the importance of self-acceptance in our lives and leadership journey. As we accept ourselves, we can support others on their path as well. By fostering a culture of self-compassion within our teams, we encourage everyone to embrace their strengths and work on their challenges. Together, we grow stronger as a community.
“Courage is the foundation for all other virtues.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that courage is essential for cultivating other positive traits such as trust and compassion. As leaders, we must embrace courage in our everyday actions and decisions. By doing so, we inspire our teams to embody the same virtues, creating an environment that is uplifting and supportive of everyone involved.
“Lead with heart, but don’t underestimate the power of your mind.” – Brené Brown
This statement highlights the balance between emotional intelligence and logical thinking in leadership. We should lead with compassion and empathy while also considering the importance of critical thinking and decision-making. By combining these essential elements, we can become well-rounded leaders who support our teams and strive for success together.
“We will not find solutions to our problems alone; we need collaboration.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes the value of teamwork and collaboration. As leaders, we should recognize that we accomplish much more collectively than individually. Let’s inspire our teams to work together, share ideas, and support one another in overcoming challenges, ultimately leading to greater success and innovation within our organization.
“Courage requires us to set boundaries and hold people accountable.” – Brené Brown
This statement reminds us that showing courage sometimes means having difficult conversations about accountability. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to uphold standards and boundaries while encouraging growth. By doing so, we create a culture of trust and respect, enabling everyone to feel secure in their roles and contributions.
“Leadership is about inspiring others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.” – Brené Brown
This inspiring quote emphasizes that effective leadership involves uplifting our teams and fostering their growth. By encouraging our team members to dream big and learn, we can contribute to creating an environment of empowerment. Let’s inspire one another to strive for excellence and reach our full potential together.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Brené Brown
This quote encourages us to embrace change and see it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. As leaders, we need to be adaptable and guide our teams through transitions with a positive mindset. By joining the dance of change, we foster resilience, creativity, and collaboration in our teams, allowing us to thrive in our work together.
“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.” – Brené Brown
This statement stresses the importance of integrity in leadership. It encourages us to make choices that align with our values, even when it’s uncomfortable. As leaders, we must demonstrate courage to uphold integrity and support our teams in doing the same. When we prioritize integrity, we foster trust and respect in our organizations.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity and bravery.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us that creativity flourishes in an environment where vulnerability is embraced. As leaders, we should encourage our teams to express their ideas openly, allowing creativity to spark. By fostering a culture of bravery through vulnerability, we cultivate an innovative atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to share and connect.
“The most accurate way to measure the quality of your relationships is to measure the amount of vulnerability in those relationships.” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights the importance of vulnerability in our relationships. Strong connections are built on openness and trust, which is essential in leadership. As leaders, let’s strive to create an environment where vulnerability is welcomed, allowing our relationships to deepen and our teams to collaborate effectively. Together, we can become a stronger community.
“Connection and belonging are essential to our well-being.” – Brené Brown
This statement emphasizes that our overall well-being is tied to our connections and sense of belonging. As leaders, we should prioritize creating a community within our teams where everyone feels valued and supported. By fostering connection, we nurture a culture that enhances our mental and emotional health, benefiting everyone involved.
“Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for another person is simply show up.” – Brené Brown
This quote reminds us of the importance of presence and support in building relationships. As leaders, simply being there for our team members can make a significant difference. Let’s embrace the power of showing up and being present, fostering a culture of care and understanding in our teams for everyone to thrive.
“Being vulnerable doesn’t mean being weak. It means being honest and real.” – Brené Brown
This quote serves to remind us that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. When we are open and honest with our teams, we foster trust and create deeper connections. As leaders, we should embrace this aspect of ourselves and inspire others to do the same, allowing a more authentic culture to flourish within our organization.
“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.” – Brené Brown
This thought-provoking quote encourages us not to fear taking risks. While stepping out of our comfort zones may feel unstable initially, not daring to do so will lead to stagnation. As leaders, we must encourage our teams to take those risks, as they ultimately lead to growth and self-discovery for everyone involved.
“Creating a culture of belonging means creating spaces where we feel we can bring our authentic selves.” – Brené Brown
This quote highlights the significance of belonging in the workplace. As leaders, we should strive to create environments where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves. By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement, we empower our teams to express their individuality and collaborate effectively, ultimately leading to a more cohesive group.
“There’s no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” – Brené Brown
This powerful quote reminds us that failure is an integral part of growth and success. As leaders, we should encourage our teams to see failure as an opportunity for learning. By embracing setbacks, we foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where everyone feels empowered to take risks and contribute their ideas without fear.
“We cannot selectively numb emotions; when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive ones.” – Brené Brown
This statement highlights the importance of embracing our emotions. As leaders, we must recognize that trying to suppress negative feelings can also diminish our capacity for joy and connection. By fostering emotional awareness and acceptance in ourselves and our teams, we create a supportive and empathetic culture that benefits everyone.
“Leaders need to be willing to grow and change.” – Brené Brown
This quote emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leadership. As leaders, we should embrace personal growth and be open to change, as it is vital for our success. Let’s encourage our teams to also embrace growth, making it a priority to learn from our experiences and evolve together as a community.
“When we deny our stories, they define us.” – Brené Brown
This quote underlines the importance of acknowledging our stories and experiences. As leaders, we should embrace our narratives, as they shape our identities. By sharing our stories and allowing others to do the same, we cultivate a culture of transparency and connection that strengthens our relationships and makes a positive impact.
Final Thoughts
In this exploration of Brené Brown’s quotes on leadership, we have discovered the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and connection. Each quote reminds us that being a great leader goes beyond authority; it is about understanding and supporting our teams. By fostering a culture of courage and openness, we can create environments where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
As we take these lessons to heart, let us strive to be the kind of leaders who uplift others and inspire growth. By embracing vulnerability and genuine connection, we can empower ourselves and our teams to succeed together. Let’s cultivate an atmosphere of trust and teamwork, making our leadership journey transformative and rewarding.
For those interested in further reading, explore these topics regarding best leader quotes and the significance of servant leadership. Each of these pieces can provide valuable insights into becoming a more effective leader.