Finding your stories

We’ve talked a lot about the power of stories to motivate others.
But what stories do you choose that will have that power?
Powerful stories illustrate powerful principles and points.
Develop an an awareness and look for stories everywhere.
Start a story file in your computer or a notebook.
Write a short outline of the story and the point that it makes.
Listen carefully when friends tell you their stories.
Mine your own past experiences and what they taught you.
These may include personal challenges you faced.
Difficult decisions you made. Good and bad choices and results.
Obstacles you and others have had to overcome.
My stories tell about Jimmy, our illiterate pressman.
About our son David and his learning difficulties.
About my own mistakes and the prices I paid.
Before turning in tonight, write one story in your notebook.
Then tell that story to someone you care about.
Tell it to others. The more you tell it, the better you tell it.
With practice, you will embellish it, polish it, enrich it.
Now add a story to your notes that a friend told you.
Practice telling that story. Polish it. Enhance the point it makes.
These ideas come from Suzanne Bates’ "Motivate Like a CEO".
Good book worth reading. More about this next time.
For help with your leadership, please click here.

Inspiring high performance

Last time w talked about the power of storytelling.
Here are five more ways stories motivate other people.
Suzanne Bates outlines them in "Motivate Like a CEO".
1. Stories inspire high performance.
Tell colleagues about someone who achieved a lofty goal.
This starts them thinking about what they might do.
Recognition may be the only reward — but it’s a big reward.
2. Stories help us remember the point.
A good story makes an indelible impression in our brains.
If your story is good, we will remember your point.
3. Friends and colleagues learn from our stories.
They appreciate that there is a "lesson" in these stories.
They like hearing your stories and the lessons they contain.
4. Stories make your message "sticky".
They are not easily forgotten. Your lesson can be easily recalled.
5. Stories open minds and hearts.
Memorable stories appeal to your audience's feelings.
The best motivational stories are about achieving goals.
Overcoming challenges. Persevering. Discovering what is possible.
Helping others. Making our world a far better place.
In her book (McGraw Hill), Suzanne Bates writes:
"Stories such as these are what audiences long to hear."
We’ll talk more about stories next week.
Meantime, for more on finding your purpose, please click here.

Tell a motivating story

We’ve talked with you about finding your life’s great purpose.
Here’s a way to galvanize others with your vision and dream:
Tell your story about why and how you plan to realize your goal.
In "Motivate Like a CEO", Suzanne Bates tells how stories motivate.
1. Stories connect people to your purpose and passion.
I tell people about my goal of raising $200 million for literacy.
That makes a connection with them and inspires them, too.
I tell them the story of Jimmy, the pressman who could not read.
42 million Jimmys cannot read. I’m passionate about helping them.
2. Stories help you communicate.
If I know what drives you, I will want to help you achieve your goal.
3. Stories inspire people.
They drive values throughout your company and community.
4. Stories reveal you as a leader.
They show that you are in touch with what’s going on.
5. Stories show that you care.
They show that you understand and appreciate other people.
We would rather work with someone with a heart, not just a brain.
More about storytelling as a motivator in Thursday’s blog.
I recommend Suzanne’s book, published by McGraw Hill.
For more on finding your great purpose, please click here.