Storytelling as Language

“A true storyteller believes in what they are sharing and what they are doing.  When you listen to others and learn about their stories, you are better able to develop a more fruitful relationship with a client.” – Ssusan Forte O’Neill

We all love a good story. In fact, we’ve been telling stories for centuries – long before the written word. Yet, today, I am hard pressed to find individuals who can tell their story. Why is it such an important skill? Being a good storyteller is good for business.

Whether it is your company or you’re an employee moving up the ranks, you should know the company story by rote. It should roll off your tongue. Practice it regularly – along with your own story. You never know when, but you will inevitably be called upon to succinctly, charismatically describe yourself and/or your work. Are you able to do this in a room full of people, and captivate them, just as our elders did seated around a camp fire?

1) Know your product and know your product’s story.

2) Believe in what you do. When you don’t believe it what you do, telling your story is difficult.

3) Telling a story, genuinely, triggers empathy. Eloquence, creativity and critical-thinking are audible and translate positively—and immediately—in any presentation. The more you practice, the more you recognize the cues that others are engaging with, and relating to, what you are trying to communicate.

4 ) Prepare & listen. If you are meeting a new client, always, always, always do your homework. Learn as much as you can about their story. And, when you are there, in front of them, ask them to tell it to you, and listen. Really listen.  You are establishing a relationship whenever you engage with anyone – be it a room full of people or during a one-on-one meeting.

Think Break

At the start of the New Year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and

fall into the trap of quick responses and, ultimately, negative communications.  This year, I’m going to ask you to take a “THINK BREAK.”

Turn everything off. 15 minutes. 2 x day. 

Take a walk down the hall, or better yet, go outside.

BREATHE.

Clear the noise from all directions.

NOW you are ready to respond.

A Think Break is really about communication.

Conversation, dialogue and interaction are BIG commodities.

Take time to think about your day-to-day.

Take time to think about the bigger picture.

Be conscious.

Slow down and really think about the impact of everything you are saying, writing and doing.

Your New Year’s Resolution: Commitment

As  we grow ourselves through commitment, we are creating our destiny. Having and keeping commitments make us of greater value to those around us. As an anchor of strong belief, one is able to withstand the storm and still move forward…and move forward in life while guiding others.

Commitment in the workplace is about charting your way up the ranks of life to grow your destiny. It’s about the journey that drives you and will define your career. When you believe in what you are doing, you are self-motivated and take on the responsibility of growing your self. And, as we allow ourselves to think bigger and grow beyond our imagination, that ingenuity inspires and encourages others to do the same.

Commitment to growing oneself and one’s beliefs is not a selfish act, but a community act. The more we are committed to our beliefs, the more we grow our confidence, which in turn gives us the strength to help others and to lead.

Making and fulfilling commitments is what creates integrity within. Pause and reflect on your performance over the last year. How did you do with your past commitments? Taking the time to reflect will ignite the energy to continue honoring a current commitment, as well as bring new ones into focus. 

Why not start with “commitment” as your New Year’s Resolution and make a conscious step forward on the path ahead. Commit to advancing your own journey and see where it will take you—and those around you.  

In The Workplace: Giving Thanks Is Always in Season

Did you know that gratitude in the workplace is a cure for burnout and job dissatisfaction? “There is no limit to the way in which gratitude is expressed,” says Robert Emmons, author of The Little Book of Gratitude: Creating a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks. “We are hungry for genuine expressions of gratitude," he says. "Everyone wants to feel appreciated, valued, recognized…Most of our waking hours are spent on the job, and gratitude, in all its forms, is a basic human requirement," he says. "So when you put these factors together, it is essential to both give and receive thanks at work."* 

I can think of no better piece of advice, especially at this time of year, than to practice an act of kindness -- daily. 

I always teach people to be thankful with their peers and clients. A little appreciation goes a long way.  In one particular session, I remember discussing gratitude with a group. “Send a thank-you note after meeting with a boss! Bring in coffee for the team!”  An attendee was quick to respond, “If I did that, it would look like I am trying to brown-nose my boss!” I responded by saying, "This kind of gesture shows respect and appreciation of time others spend with us." In our over-booked busy lives, undivided discussion with another is much to be thankful for. About six months later, the same client called me to share that their company recently did a study with their employees to learn how to improve the culture and, guess what? They found that most people just want to be shown a little appreciation, given a thank you and feel encouraged in what they are doing. Their results found that the expression of gratitude was more valuable than a financial reward! 

Would you believe this story is about 10 years old? Goes to show you there is nothing new under the sun when you focus on the simplicity of respect, gratitude and kindness towards others. We are humans, after all.

*[Read more: "The Science of Gratitude and Why It's Important In Your Workplace," by Stephanie Vozza for Fast Company.] 

Power Up Burn Out

Did you walk with a friend this month to relish the change of seasons?

When was the last time you called a friend without making an appointment first?

Have you dined out for a meal—without your phone on the table?

Has technology taken over your work life and your private life?

We are living through something I like to call “the conversion of the evolution of the human being.” Technology is very quickly turning us into a burned out, self-absorbed, anxiety-ridden population.

We must consciously turn it off and hit refresh. Often.

“Without personal meaning, you’ll start to wear down from relentlessly throwing yourself into the churn and pulse of things. You can’t sustain this kind of disconnected, meaningless work for very long.  – Steve Errey, “How to Tell Your Boss Your Completely Overwhelmed,” Fast Company

The more we focus on what makes us human, the more apt we are to create and innovate rather than follow; the better our relationships will be at home and in the workplace.

Better interactions with our colleagues allows for all of us to be human again.

Allow yourself to be you. Be joyful.  Have open dialogue with others. Volunteer, go to a museum, or simply say hello.

What makes us human?

Emotion, empathy, compassion memories, 

human relationships, human connection, kindness and love.