Lately I have been reflecting on how to help leaders to take action in the work of leadership. My mind has gone back to this post about the role neuroscience plays in the creation of habits.
The action part is where many (including myself) can get stuck. The process from my previous post is simple: stories lead to insights that generate actions and when repeated turn into habits. I may learn a theory or something new and interesting but getting to meaningful action means I need a powerful story and a strong insight. Then I am compelled to act.
My insight today is that I need to learn the art and science of storytelling. There is much that has been written and shared about storytelling and the art of captivating an audience. I will share with you two models that have gravitated to as I practice my storytelling muscle. The first comes from Donald Miller at Storybrand and the second comes from Bill Delaney.
When telling a compelling story, you must make the listener the hero of the story. As I look back and consider how I have tried to tell my professional story, I have been the hero. I am the one at the center of it all and it does not resonate with people. Now I’m working on changing that narrative where I can be the guide rather than the hero. The listener of the story should be the hero of the story.
Bill Delaney has taught me to captivate an audience you only need three things. A benefit, the gift you are giving to the audience. A belief, what you personally believe – what you feel in your heart about the benefit. And an example, specifics and information to support your conclusion or belief.
Write down in your journal or a piece of paper something you would like to learn to do – it could be anything – then evaluate the story you are telling yourself. Do you have a compelling enough story to generate your own insights that compel you to action?
