“It took us a while to realize this: the data, the message, the thing that you care so much about, does not speak for itself. You’ve got to think about how to wrap your data in the right story.” TOM KELLEY, IDEO
Interesting fact: we, as people, actually think in pictures, not words.
As leaders, your role is to inspire people to take right action for their own behalf. A bunch of data won’t cut it.
What are those stories you enjoyed throughout your life? How did they come about? Let’s stretch your story- building muscles. Try this out.
I.
- First, sit quietly.
- Go into your mind’s eye.
- Picture a time and place from your life that holds great significance or enjoyment for you. What do you see?
- The environment? The atmosphere?
- What is there? Name the specifics.
- Who is there?
- What were your feelings? Describe them.
- Why is this significant?
We have a “rolodex” of experiences from throughout our lives that we can easily visualize and color in the details. We can practice noticing them.
II.
Now, recall a time in your life when you were engaged in an activity with people, or with a task; or when you got an assignment that was perfect for you.
Everything gelled, clicked; everything was all “green lights”. You were in your most creative space. You were on top of your game.
Describe the instance. What were you doing? What happened? Why was this activating? What were your feelings?
III.
Tell this instance to someone. Have them share their story with you.
IV.
How can you devise this story to use in a business context? Try it out. Play with it. Practice.
Take time to learn more about how to use Storytelling in your business.
Join us for Storytelling Skills for Business. Here you will discover, build and practice skills to become adept at using stories to inspire and to get your points across.
Click here to learn more.
