Mission clarity is mission critical

Speaking to more than 6,000 credit union leaders this week, author and academic Brene Brown shared thoughts on leadership, courage, and how credit unions can use both to continue to execute their mission of helping people. 

“Mission clarity is mission critical. Every single person in your purview, without hesitation, should be able to explain what drives your mission,” she said.

This clarity doesn’t mean that there’s only one way to operate. Rather, Brown emphasized continued curiosity as a way to continue growing. 

“Your value is your subject matter expertise, but also you need to be open to what you do not know,” she said. “The person who says, ‘I have deep experience, but I’m also open to everything that I do not know,’ that’s the most valued leader in any company.”

She also reminded the audience that “vulnerability is an emotion we experience from uncertainty, risk, and exposure,” and rather than being a weakness, she instructed credit union leaders to look at vulnerability at “the birthplace of courage,” as they move forward.