As You Were – looking for connections between the work of Brené Brown and Daniel Quinn as I revisit them in book clubs. See the introductory post for what this is all about. In this post, I look at:
- Daniel Quinn Book Club — no reading this week
- Brené Brown Book Club — Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts., session 5 reading: Part One: Rumbling with Vulnerability – Section Four: Shame and Empathy
(Commissions earned on Amazon links.)
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Part One: Rumbling with Vulnerability – Section Four: Shame and Empathy
“Shame is not a compass for moral behavior. It’s much more likely to drive destructive, hurtful, immoral, and self-aggrandizing behavior than it is to heal it. Why? Because where shame exists, empathy is almost always absent.” Describes much of Taker culture.
“Either way, when the culture… mandates that it is more important to protect the reputation of that system and those in power than it is to protect the human dignity of individuals or communities, you can be certain of the following problems: Shame is systemic. Complicity is part of the culture. Money and power trump ethics. Accountability is dead. Control and fear are management tools. And there’s a trail of devastation and pain.” Describes much of Taker culture — the very shame culture that is at the root of Brené’s observations.
“That’s a challenge if you were raised in majority culture… you were likely taught that your perspective is the correct perspective and everyone else needs to adjust their lens… the default — My truth is the truth — is reinforced by every system and situation you encounter.” Echoes Quinn’s notion that Taker culture believes is has the one right way to live.