Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude

by Raymond M. Kethledge

The importance of solitude is one of Brené Brown’s first principles as a leader. Brené is the author of three New York Times number-one bestselling books (Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection) and a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work, where she studies “vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame.” She is also the founder and CEO of the Daring Way and CourageWorks, which teaches individuals and organizations about bravery in leadership. “The biggest mistake I’ve made in my career to date is believing that solitude is a luxury,” she says. “I could chart the ups and down of my quality of life personally and professionally and the amount of time I spend in solitude. It’s a discipline that can make or break my work.” For her, solitude takes a variety of forms. “It’s a span of practices, long periods and short periods. I need both. On international flights, I don’t sit next to anyone I’m traveling with. That gives me twelve hours of time to come up with ideas.” Closer to home, she blocks out time on her calendar to think and write. “It’s nonnegotiable.” She also finds solitude while swimming. “No one can talk to you then.”