Use storytelling to lead
Think back to an activity you loved to do as a kid. What do you remember most about the person who led you? Whether it was a coach, teacher, director or other role, you probably remember how they made you feel. They motivated you to try harder, reach deeper and celebrated you when those efforts paid off. Go you!
What was it that motivated you? Most likely that leader shared stories of crushing defeat and redemption as a lesson when times get tough. They may have shared personal stories of something they went through so you could relate to them and find your own resilience. You still remember those stories they told you because it inspired you to live your own story. And you felt driven to perform for that leader.
If you are a leader in your organization today, how do you motivate and persuade your people to behave as you need them to? We work with C-level executives in creating leadership development content. The most effective outcomes are with the leaders who recognize the power of showing vulnerability through the personal story.
In the business world, no one wants to show weakness by sharing about the time they failed. Do you think your organization only promotes leaders who win at everything? Leaders in high places are missing opportunities to inspire and cultivate their future leaders when they don’t talk about lessons learned from their own experiences. If we take no risks, never fail, how will we progress to where we want to be? As Story Doctors we help you find the stories from your own experience that relate to the goal of your team and then recommend how to deliver them to inspire, encourage and connect with your people.
Be that inspiration for a budding leader in your organization. Oh, the places they’ll go!