Unlock The Power Of True Stories. Transform Your Leadership Style In Four Hours.

Dawn Ziegerer teaching a group about storytelling

You got fired once in the middle of an annual meeting?

You weren’t able to focus at work for months after a family tragedy?

You cried while watching “The Notebook” after telling everyone the movie would be lame?

Great!

We’d love to hear about it.

In fact, stories like that will make our ears perk up a lot more than stories about all the things in your life that have gone well.

Why? Because true stories from your life are relatable. 

I mean, didn’t we all cry during “The Notebook?”

Haven’t we all tripped up the stairs while holding four coffees right before a meeting?  

Ever insisted something was “right” only to discover it wasn’t?

If all of us have stories from life that are upsetting, embarrassing, and heartbreaking, why do we shy away from telling them?

Maybe we fear that showing our warts will undermine our authority or impressiveness.

But, the truth is, stories that involve obstacles are influential. People are moved by tales where setbacks are overcome.

For example, I’ve been running a divorce support group for about three years. And those who have been coming to the group long enough have heard my story. 

In the beginning of my story, I set the foundation. In the middle, things get messy, sad, and really hard. And since it’s been a decade since my divorce, I have a happy ending that inspires hope.

Because, could you imagine anyone coming back to the meetings if all we talked about were the happy endings?

The happy ending only works in contrast to the messy and sometimes devastating middle. The contrast and change that occurs IS the story. 

Because if everything at work or in your personal life works out great all the time, you don’t have a story. 

And you won’t connect with or inspire your team if everything in your life seems to be all hunky dory.

So, let the people you lead hear the whole story. Let them hear about that messy middle and what happened after that. Let them hear about what you learned and about the mistakes you’ll never make again.

Now, that sounds like a great story.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this article, please share it and let me know what you think in the comments.

You can learn how to tell great stories at work to motivate and connect with your team too. I run "The Great Story Workshop" all over the U.S. and I'd love to help the leaders in your organization tell impactful stories. If you'd like more information, please reach out to me here by using the contact form.