Vocabulary of Vulnerability
This word means showing your true thoughts and feelings, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Vulnerability
You make a mistake during a group project. What’s a vulnerable way to respond?
Admit it, apologize, and help fix it.
Brené Brown says people who feel love and belonging believe they are _______.
Worthy
A good leader admits when they don’t know something. This shows what trait?
Courage and honesty.
Think of a leader you admire — how have they “let themselves be seen”?
(Student example; accept any thoughtful answer.)
The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel.
Empathy
A friend asks how you’re doing, and you’ve been stressed but don’t want to seem weak. What’s a vulnerable choice?
Open up honestly about how you feel.
True or False: Vulnerability means weakness.
False — it means courage.
When leaders create a safe space for others to share openly, they build this.
Trust
Why is it scary to let people see your flaws?
Fear of judgment or rejection.
This is the feeling of being worthy of love and belonging, according to Brené Brown.
Worthiness
You have an idea that others might think is “dumb.” What would courage look like here?
Speaking up and sharing anyway.
Brené Brown says that people avoid vulnerability because of this emotion.
Shame, Fear, Rejection
“Rumbling with vulnerability” means doing what?
Facing tough conversations, Expressing emotions with courage.
What is it important to express even though you feel nervous?
Build Courage to express, You release emotions, and build a better relationship with peers and self.
The courage to admit mistakes or imperfections is called this.
authenticity or accountability
You want to tell a friend you’re hurt by something they said. What’s a good first step?
Be Honest, Express, and Be kind
Leaders who make choices based on what they truly believe is having ______
Values, Principles, Morals
How can you support others when they’re being vulnerable?
Listen, don’t judge, show empathy.
This quality allows leaders to recover and grow after failure or struggle.
Resilience
You failed a test and feel embarrassed. What’s a vulnerable response that helps you grow?
Admitting the failure, asking for help, and trying again.
When a leader fails but keeps trying, they’re showing this skill set from Brené Brown’s “Four Skill Sets of Courage.”
Learning to Rise
Share one situation where you can be more open or authentic at school.
(Open answer — class discussion.)