BRAVING - A Framework for Cultivating Trust and Integrity
This acronym is a framework I learnt about many years ago, from Brene Brown in her book Dare To Lead. It has become a moral compass for me and one I share with many of my students.
I’d love to share it with you all as it holds so much wisdom.
B - Boundaries
Boundaries are an act of clarity.
They help us understand and name what is ok and what is not ok and help us move through the world with a sense of clarity. Setting boundaries can be hard for some of us, especially if we have not been taught how to set them or if we are people pleasers.
They help us to create conditions where we can remain open-hearted without becoming overwhelmed, resentful or depleted.
Reflection:
* Where in my life do I need clearer boundaries right now?
* What am I saying yes to that is actually a no?
* What boundary would support me to be more grounded and less reactive?
R - Reliability
We do what we say we will do. This also means staying aware of our competencies and limitations so we don’t over promise and are able to deliver on commitments and balance competing priorities.
Reflection:
* Do my actions consistently match my words?
* Where might I be overcommitting or stretching myself beyond my capacity?
A - Accountability
This is our willingness to take responsibility for our words, actions and behaviours. To acknowledge when we have caused harm, own our mistakes and make amends and repair where possible. It is how we build trust in relationships.
Reflection:
* How do I respond when I make a mistake?
Do I get defensive or reactive easily? Do I withdraw or take responsibility?
* Is there a repair conversation I need to have in my life?
V - Vault
The vault is about confidentiality.
You don’t share information or experiences that are not yours to share. I need to know my confidences are kept, and that you’re not sharing with me, any information about other people that should be confidential. No gossiping about other people.
Reflection:
* Do I hold others’ stories with care and discretion?
* Do I ever share information that isn’t mine to share?
* How do I feel when someone shares confidential information about others with me?
I - Integrity
Choosing courage over comfort.
Choosing what’s right over what’s fun, fast or easy.
Aligning our actions with our values.
Reflection:
* Where in my life am I choosing comfort over what feels true?
* What values am I being asked to live more fully right now?
N - Non-judgment
I can ask for what I need and you can ask for what you need.
We can talk honestly about how we feel without judgment. We meet each other with openness and curiosity.
Reflection:
* Do I feel safe asking for what I need?
* Do others feel safe asking things of me?
* Where might judgment be closing down connection in my relationships?
G - Generosity
Extending the most generous interpretation to the intentions, words and actions of others.
To take pause and be curious about the context of someone else’s behaviours, words or actions.
Reflection:
* Do I tend to assume the worst or the best in others?
* Where could I offer a more generous interpretation?
What I continue to learn from this BRAVING framework, is that our life is an ongoing process of self awareness and growth and being connected to our values and our intentions is how we create meaning and contribute to a more connected and generous world.