What’s The Story?

What’s The Story?

Posted by in Communication, Leadership, The Leadership Coach™

Great leaders have long understood the power of stories. A well-told story can achieve what operations manuals, mission statements, KPI’s and staff meetings rarely do.

Renowned business author and speaker Tom Peters, in his book Leadership, said “A key – perhaps THE key – to leadership is the effective communication of a story”. That’s a big statement, and yet as I continually study great leaders past and present I see the use of stories as one of their primary weapons of choice.

Perhaps you don’t consider yourself a “storyteller”, a “speaker” or a “motivator”. And yet it seems people are hard wired to respond to stories. The evidence is all around us – but unfortunately some of us reserve our stories for parties and BBQ conversations and neglect their power to focus and energise those we lead in the workplace.

Stories that can be retold
Perhaps the real power of stories is that they can be shared again and again. Stories get wings. They go viral. Since moving to New York City I’ve been captivated by the work of charity: water and I’m amazed by their ability to tell stories. Like the story of the Bayaka people whose way of life and means of support have been devastated by the destruction of their environment. With a few minutes of video I’m reminded that I can make a real and lasting difference to a people I may never personally meet. Stories compel action.

Stories that convey the essence of your vision
I was coaching a client recently who was nervous about an upcoming networking event where she would have three minutes to talk about her business. She’d done it once before and was disappointed with the results, after cramming all her “USP’s”, services and packages into a well-honed spiel. As we the conversation changed direction she told me the moving story of one of her clients that she had recently helped to overcome real adversity. All I did was help her to join the dots- that single true story conveyed the essence of her business better than any spiel could.

Stories that leave room for imagination
Please, don’t fill in every blank in your story. Let it breathe. Allow mystery. Nothing takes the fun out of a story (or makes me feel like I’m back in school) more than turning a story into a lesson by finishing with “and the moral of the story is…” We unconsciously push back on the conclusions you draw for us, but we unconsciously accept whatever conclusions we draw for ourselves. Stories can engage the heart and animate the imagination.

Stories that lift and inspire
I’ve been deeply challenged and inspired these last few weeks by the true story of a brother who quite literally gave his life to save his brother. Chad’s life was threatened by an incurable liver condition, so his brother Ryan gave part of his liver in a transplant that tragically resulted in Ryan’s death a few days later. He’s a modern day hero. The story was told on US news channels and has quickly spread around the world. I’m inspired by the whole family’s deep love and personal faith. I’m challenged to be a better husband, a better brother, a better dad, a better man.

So, leaders, what’s the story?

I’d love to hear your comments and feel free to use the links below to share this article with others

Also, click here to find out more about booking Paul Andrew to speak at your event or organisation

Be Sociable, Share!

Related posts:

  1. Have You Capped Your Potential?
  2. Breaking It Down
  3. Loan Car Syndrome

Tags: , , , ,

13 Responses to “What’s The Story?”

  1. Susan Sohn

    24. Aug, 2010

    Paul,
    So true, everyone does have a story and I believe it’s our responsibility to share stories. A great storyteller can captivate, motivate and inspire. Stories have saved, set free and brought hope into many situations. Storytellers have a great responsibility and a great story can truly change lives.

    Here’s one you will probably enjoy, a story that impacted my life greatly. A chance encounter that changed my life.

    http://susanjsohn.com/2009/02/everyone-has-a-story/

    Susan
    Susan Sohn´s last [type] ..A Teen’s World

  2. Ian Borkent

    24. Aug, 2010

    Hi Paul, like to read your posts – always very helpful and engaging. I think without a story to tell a leader will never rally anyone behind a grand vision. Stories help people see and help people understand. They will be inspired to come behind the vision.

    Interestingly, I wrote an article on Inspirational Storytelling, exampled in the life of Jesus, just yesterday on my daily blog at biblepower.wordpress.com. You can check it out here: http://biblepower.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/inspirational-speaking/

    God bless you guys in NYC.
    Ian Borkent´s last [type] ..Keep on keeping on

  3. Deepika

    24. Aug, 2010

    Hi Paul, This is a great insight in to effective communiction and how valuable storey telling is. I remember as a child how I used to look forward to a bed time story. Over a decade and a half my nana shared some 550 stories from the Budda’s past lives. I am so very thankful to her! Here is the link to check it out..I hope you enjoy.

    http://www.jathakakatha.org

  4. Jennifer Anne Greyling

    24. Aug, 2010

    Dear Paul.. I was intrigued and suddenly the question directed to me.. what is the story Jennifer Anne.. I do agree.. a story paint the whole picture and I’ll spare you for now.. thank you for your ever enthusiastic and moving leadership!!

  5. Paul Andrew

    24. Aug, 2010

    Thanks Susan, so good to reconnect with you and thanks for the FB message! And I enjoyed your post too. Stay in touch, Paul

  6. Paul Andrew

    24. Aug, 2010

    Thanks Ian – and also for showing me your blog.
    Paul Andrew´s last [type] ..Bottleneck

  7. Paul Andrew

    24. Aug, 2010

    I agree – in too many organisations the art of storytelling has been lost… and it’s a big loss
    Paul Andrew´s last [type] ..I Left My Keys Behind

  8. Paul Andrew

    24. Aug, 2010

    I appreciate the feedback Deepika and thanks for sharing too
    Paul Andrew´s last [type] ..The Threshold Bite

  9. Paul Andrew

    24. Aug, 2010

    Glad you enjoyed the personal touch on the email version Jennifer :)
    Paul
    Paul Andrew´s last [type] ..Leading Without Emptying The Ocean

  10. Kenny

    24. Aug, 2010

    So true Paul, I read a book by Andy Stanley…called Communicating for Change..Have you read it? If not you might wish too. Its a co-authored book. First part is a ficitional story of a burned out pastor, who rides with trucker…and learns a life lesson in communication. Then Andy, does the second part….This book revolutionize my messages and communication. Its a simple method, ME-YOU-God (Word) -YOU (Applied Truth) – We….you can mix it up, but if its in your head….no matter what you are delivering, should you wonder, you know the tracks to get back on. The ME, is the Story….and it powerfully engages the listener….Now I see it in every gifted or refined communicator….and I just wait for the ME….the minute the ME (the story) comes….the listener locks in….So now. I want to put it first, not in the middle or the end….because its so powerful….and now I try to keep the Stories coming…because the anchor the listener to you, and he feels he can identify with that story or message.
    Be blessed and thanks for the Leadership Coach lesson

  11. Lee Strauss

    24. Aug, 2010

    Paul,

    A great article, stories are truly a powerful way of communication that goes back centuries. I often feel that its a communication method that many of us of lost.
    Which is why one of my biggest goals is to become a story teller. You can read my story at http://www.veranovia.com/about-personal-development-coaches-lee-strauss.html

  12. Darren

    24. Aug, 2010

    Paul

    Stories and what you are saying truly amazing and true. I was working in a bar and there was a your fella on the other side who had had his full. He looked at me and said tell me a story. You look the kind of guy that knows a lot of stories. I said name a subject. He said EGGS. I told the story of a time I was in the bush we had been eating week onld stale bread adn tinned meat. I was away for a whille when the boys came accross some eggs adn gobbled them up. I complained when I got back and they found me some duck eggs. Dont eat duck they are no the nicest thing. He laughed and left the pub. He came back every week asking for more stories. I moved on from ther and as far as I know he still goes to that pub for me asking if I am returning. The power of a good story. It is as if you give someone a new insight into life.

    DAZ

  13. Jennifer Anne Greyling

    14. Sep, 2010

    Dear Paul.. I’ve been so fortunate to attend the Ultimate Success Seminar with Anthony Robbins and Sir Richard Branson last weekend.. they were incredible!!!
    But the speaker who honestly grabbed my attention was Mark Bouris, Star of TV’s “The Apprentice” and Wizard Home Loans founder.. he shared with the public.. telling stories.. also including Pandora’s Box and the Wizard of Oz.. giving Railway history, political summaries.. honestly what a way to engage the 7000 attendees.. Thank you for always sharing your best!!! You are inspirational!

Leave a Reply

CommentLuv badge