I love to share stories and speak at events. This one was more difficult than I thought it would be at the LeadX event, but one I wanted to share. If I can do it, you can.

We are hardwired to be social beings, and of course communication, and in fact storytelling is central to our social interactions. Try going a day without telling a story. How will you effectively share the news of your day with your friends or family, motivate your team or co-workers to keep on task or even interact on social media. Without story telling all these things and more, are impossible.

Successful leaders change minds as well as actions, and that takes more than a persuasive argument or an impressive PowerPoint presentation. Story telling forges deeper connections with the subject and drives people to take action.

The shortest distance between two people is a story – Terrence Gargiulo

So where is it appropriate to tell stories in business as a leader? Pretty much any time. Stories take facts and data in a presentation from blah to wow. They engage teams in staff meetings as well as upper management in the day to day operations of a company they are often so far removed from. Stories keep people focused and motivated and remind them what it is they are working towards and the impact of what they do on others. How do you make an idea stick? Tell a story.

Those who tell stories rule the world – Native American proverb

Author Annette Simmons in her book Whoever Tells The Best Story Wins, talks about six kinds of stories that are useful in a business setting and therefore to leaders.

Who I am – to build trust

Why I am here – to share what’s in it for you and for them

Teaching stories – to influence behaviour and motivate change

Vision stories – to inspire hope or happiness and a desire to overcome challenges

Values in action – to reinforce the values you want your team to demonstrate

I know what you are thinking stories – to validate concerns or fears and overcome objections It’s not hard to see how the types of stories Simmons talks about are useful in leadership situations and can take a leader to a higher level when it comes to motivating and focusing their team. It’s often not what you say but how you say it, and how authentic you are. As we talked about in 10 Ways to be an Authentic Leader, if you are telling a story from your personal experience then make sure it’s based in truth. Your team can spot a fake a mile off, so if you are going to open yourself up then do it well or you will actually lose traction with your people instead of gaining it. It’s ok to tell other peoples stories, just don’t take credit for it.

Story telling also involves listening and if you give others your full attention when they tell a story and lead by example in return you will receive the same.

If you would like to develop your storytelling skills we’d love to share our stories and help you practice your skills. Contact Sonia at https://soniamcdonald.com.au/ or 1300 719 665