Leadership is about helping guide people on their career or personal journey. This can, and has, been done in various ways. There are theories about the best way to lead, the best leadership style and how you can find your path as a successful leader. We often overlook our experiences as the ultimate teacher as we coach when those experiences help shape who we are and have put us in a position to help lead our teams.
Simply putting in time at a job has little influence on a person’s career or professional development. It is the experience gained through specific situations that allows for professional and personal growth.
Stories of these experiences can be a leader’s secret weapon in their communication toolbox. Steve Jobs was quoted “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” He must have known data and facts can disengage people while thought-provoking stories create emotions that pull people in. Storytelling and experience sharing allows leaders to create an emotional connection with their audience which helps them relate to the message. Stories add excitement, show character and allow the teller to lead authentically.
Strategies for Leadership Success
Not all stories are created equally. Storytelling can make or break a leader. We’ve all listened to someone tell a story, got bored or lost, and had no idea what the intended message was. Stories like this will quickly give the leader a bad reputation. The actual content of the story isn’t as important as the delivery.
Leaders must strategically organize facts and emotions to create a bridge between themselves and their audience or team. Storytelling is more than recounting an event. One must use characters, plots and settings to paint a picture that will captivate the audience. A vivid picture will bring ideas to life and evoke emotions. Emotions allow people to be more receptive and connect to the shared message. The positive effects of emotion on memory can be found in numerous research studies (Kensinger & Ford, 2020). Emotional experiences are more frequently remembered and detailed than those with a weak or absent emotional connection.
Storytelling Tips
“I hear you, but what does this mean for me and how can I be successful?” Use the tips below to get you started on your journey of leading through storytelling.
- What will the audience find persuasive?
- Know the target audience and what will engage them.
- Not all stories span across generations. Alterations may need to be made for a story to remain relevant.
- Be able to pivot if the message is getting lost.
- Find and share key sections.
- Resist chronological order.
- The punchline could come first.
- Think short and purposeful.
- Use other people’s stories with permission.
- Test out your storytelling on a friendly, honest group who will provide helpful feedback.
- Be authentic. People connect more when you are willing to show your personality.
Incorporating storytelling into your leadership style not only enhances your ability to connect with your team but also makes your messages more memorable and impactful. By mastering the art of storytelling, you can inspire, motivate, and lead with authenticity, turning everyday experiences into powerful tools for growth and connection.
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Kensinger, E. A., & Ford, J. H. (2020). Retrieval of emotional events from memory. Annual Review of Psychology, 71, 251-272.
