What's Your Story?

It always worries me when people say "it's not personal" when they're talking about their job. Whatever our "job" is, if it matters to us, it is personal. We get excited when things go well. We get upset when we fail. We work our butts off to make things turn out right. If it's not personal, we probably need to find something else to do. In fact, Annette Simmons, the author of "The Story Factor" and "Whoever Tells The Best Story Wins," argues in a recent article that one of the things good leaders do is help their colleagues re-ignite their passion for their common work. And, she says, there's no better way to do that than to let your personal investment show...by telling your own story.

"When you tell a true story that illustrates when, where, and how you feel personally invested in your work, those around you will be inspired by your example. People naturally follow individuals who have a passion for bringing meaning to their life and work."

Have you noticed how the best story tellers seem to get elected to public office? We are naturally drawn to people who can give us a glimpse into what makes them tick and nothing does that better than people who tell stories - stories about the people and experiences that have shaped them, stories about the people they're trying to help, stories about times when they've tried and failed and lived to try again, stories that tap into our deepest emotions and help us see beyond ourselves and connect us to a BIGGER story. 

Part of your job, as a leader in your organization, is to tell stories. They don't have to be great stories. But they do have to be real. They don't necessarily even have to be "true" but they do have to tell the TRUTH. It helps if they are YOUR stories. And they should help connect people to the mission and vision of your organization.

Simmons advises:

"Not a good storyteller? If you're breathing, you are a storyteller. You tell stories everytime you describe something that happened. The trick is to pay attention to which events you describe so you send the messages you want to send."

I'm not sure where I learned to tell stories. My mom is pretty good at it, I guess. In fact, she can keep you on the phone for hours with one story after another. But I was also a voracious reader as a kid. I spent my summer days in the library reading book after book. I'll never forget the summer I wandered for the first time into the grown up stacks. Twelve years old, reading Crime and Punishment. Weird, I know. But I learned early on what it feels like to get caught up in a good story. Today, when I make a presentation, I work hard at finding just the right stories to tell. I teach people stuff, too. I give 'em theories and formulas and diagrams and bullet points. But it's the stories they remember. One story I tell often is about the campaign stop Bobby Kennedy made at my house when I was little. This story always grabs people. Weeks and months after I've told that story, I'll get an email or a letter from somebody telling me what an impact it made. One woman even sent me the magazine clippings from his campaign that she had been saving for all these years. "I thought you would want these," she said. I've learned that few things reach people more effectively than a powerful story. But I've also learned that an even more effective way to connect with people is to invite them to tell THEIR stories. And I rarely make a presentation or teach a class that doesn't include time for people to share them. 

So what's your story? 

And how are you making space for other people to tell theirs?

Storytelling is at the heart of a purposeful, passionate organization. 

- Kelly Fryer

Comments

[Jan Scheidt]

I just wanted to clarify for Kelly that it hailed in Calgary on July 9th and it did not snow! She missed a beautiful warm summer day in Alberta and a great western bbq.
I was very impressed with her stories and would love to hear more. Unfortunately, I am still flying on the 22nd for the next webinar, but would love to be part of the next one...thank you so much for sharing your time and talents with the ELW in Calgary... Jan Scheidt, Brantford, ON

KELLY'S RESPONSE: Well it sure LOOKED like snow! :)