Vulnerability, Shame, Courage and Knowledge Sharing

Profound, life changing information and wisdom can come from unlikely sources. When that happens, the impact is often much greater then when such information comes from a talking head on TV, or an expert from on high.

Researcher Dr Brene Brown is such an unlikely source. Yes, you expect her research to be excellent, as her credentials would suggest that. You might expect her data be to provocative given the subject matter of her work is shame and vulnerability. However when you listen to her talk, as she does in the TED series, she is quiet, humble and incredibly powerful. It is like the girl next door takes on the mythological beast and in front of our eyes, slays it...all the while saying "oh my goodness, I can't believe I'm doing this and in public".

If you want to increase innovation, creativity and productivity in your organization or increase the quality of your life, this is a must see video. Does that sound like hyperbole? Not in my opinion. No one likes to talk about shame or vulnerability, most especially in business. And yet, as Dr Brown states, "vulnerability is the great measure of courage", and do we not all need and want courage in business? And, think about those people you find the most deeply inspiring. Is it not true that part of why they are so inspiring is their vulnerability and perseverance?

Dr Brown talks about failure, the need for it, the perceived  shame of it, and the fact that without it, there is little success. Just trust me. See the video, let me know what you think. The link is below.

The first time I talked to Brene Brown was after she did a video with my colleague Jen Loudon a year or two ago. I was so impressed that I wrote Brene and she responded immediately, in her personable, down to earth manner. I so enjoyed the conversation and we both acknowledge that vulnerability and shame are interesting components of knowledge sharing. What rich opportunities exist for those of us with the courage to name it, discuss it, harness the outcomes..... 

See the video. Let's talk. Here's the link and her earlier talks can also be found via YouTube. Brene Brown TED Talk March 2012

My own knowledge transfer during transition

The term 'walking the talk' has taken on a whole new, and powerful, meaning for me. For the past 16 years, I've helped companies in transition identify and transfer business critical knowledge.

Now, it's my turn.

I have brought a number of new people into the fold here at KLHagen, including two new associates (well not exactly 'new' but more about that later), two talented consultants and a fantastic business manager. What does that mean for the business?

It means increased capacity, expanded competencies and capabilities and enhanced service offerings. KLHagen is moving forward.

What it means for me personally is that I must walk the talk. It means I am in the process of identifying and transferring my tacit knowledge about tacit knowledge transfer. 16 years worth of processes, ideas, learning, experiences, insights, hints, tips, thought processes, alternatives, watch outs, success criteria, rationale...I think you get the picture.

And, it's very good for me.

I chose experienced people with strong backgrounds and their own unique, critical and relevant competencies and areas of expertise. I know they are open-minded learners who stand in curiosity while applying all of the years of experience they bring on board to make excellent decisions for our clients. All that being said, I still had to consider how to share the deep experience and expertise these years have brought me.

I will give you an overview of that process in upcoming blogs and provide my own insights as I walk my talk. And, I will introduce you to my new colleagues.

Life ensures we keep learning lessons and getting better at what we do...as long as we are present and authentically show up for the learning. I'm blessed to have such great people to work along side and with on this journey.