We’re all hungry for stories. There’s nothing better than being transported to a different world by a film like Parasite, or a novel, like Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko. But the power of stories doesn’t solely belong in fiction. We can all tap into it. 

Tune into an episode of  The Moth Radio Hour  and listen to ordinary people telling their stories. They are so different and distinctive.  It’s a great reminder that we all have hundreds of stories inside us. Experiences that shaped us. Relationships that changed us. Stories that forged our purpose and values. 

Some of my favourite work this year has been with dynamic young leaders who want to articulate what they stand for to their teams and organisations. Their first attempts just don’t do justice to who they are. There’s too much content. There’s a list of values and beliefs that don’t connect with the audience. I set the group the task of choosing just one of their values. I ask them to share a specific story or experience that helps the audience understand why this value is so important to them.  As they shape and rehearse their stories, I’m full of curious anticipation of what they will be like. Every time the stories that emerge are surprising and funny, sharing moments of vulnerability, courage and compassion. There’s a live emotional connection between speaker, content and audience. It’s palpable and memorable.

By learning to use stories from their own lives, these young leaders found a sincere way to be themselves and stay distinctive. They can now use these stories to connect with others, to get to know their teams better and to get beyond the banal or transactional with their clients and colleagues.  

Storytelling is hardwired into our DNA and woven into the fabric of our humanity. It offers us the opportunity to genuinely connect on an emotional level, and gives us content that resonates and is memorable. Stories stay with us far longer than a career summary or table of statistics- no matter how impressive or important they are.

I’m with master storyteller Philip Pullman, who says… ‘After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world’.  Stories let us share in the richness of being alive and help us to feel less alone.  

WHAT ARE YOUR STORIES? ARE YOU SHARING THEM?
BECAUSE NOTHING BEATS A GOOD STORY…