The 3 Traits of Inspiring Everyday Leaders

1. You can’t be courageous without being vulnerable.

1.1. Brené Brown says vulnerability is “the emotion we feel when times are risky and uncertain or we are at the mercy of other people’s actions.”

1.2. Acts of courage are always accompanied by the feeling of vulnerability.

1.3. Whenever we choose courage, we also choose vulnerability.

1.4. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.

2. Focus on two core values to endure any adversity.

2.1. Writing down a list of your values is a great exercise, but it’s too easy to list too many of them and end up prioritizing none.

2.2. If you really want your values to guide you, focus on only two of them.

2.3. Two values are easy to fall back on when the going gets tough, and if one doesn’t fit the situation, the other most certainly will.

2.4. People who know their values can handle adversity. They have something to hold on to in dark times.

2.5. Pick your two major values, and you’ll be more resilient and can do whatever’s necessary to move on with grace.

3. Form trust in relationships with “BRAVING.”

3.1. We all think of ourselves as trustworthy, yet we only confide in a small group of select folks.

3.2. The best way to be trusted is to trust others first. We must hand out “trust advances” to receive trust in return.

3.3. Remember the acronym “BRAVING”

3.3.1. Boundary-setting.

3.3.1.1. Always clarify and respect each other’s limits.

3.3.2. Reliability

3.3.2.1. Keep your word, and you’ll inspire others to keep theirs.

3.3.3. Accountability

3.3.3.1. Everyone makes mistakes. But not everyone admits them. Admit them.

3.3.4. Vault-closing

3.3.4.1. If you don’t break my confidentiality, I won’t break yours.

3.3.5. Integrity

3.3.5.1. Whatever your two core values are, never compromise them.

3.3.6. Non-judgement.

3.3.6.1. Be curious instead of judgmental, and you’ll turn isolation into connection.

3.3.7. Generosity

3.3.7.1. Leave room in your interpretations and expectations, and others will feel safe in turning to you.