This past weekend I viewed an inspiring Biennial exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York City where relatively unknown artists had the opportunity put together their exhibits. It was fascinating to see how each show was presented in a way that reflected the artist’s passions and gifts. Each creator shared their personal story of their journey in working with a particular medium and also revealed the deeper meaning behind their displays. Through their enthusiasm and narratives the visitors got a profound glimpse into the worlds and motivations of each artist.
[Tweet “Through storytelling and presentation, leaders share inspirational lessons.”]
Each of these individuals is a true leader as they opened the viewer’s minds to alternative art forms. Many of us may not have been familiar with neither the artist’s name nor their pieces, yet we were drawn in magically to investigate the how and why of each picture, sculpture or film. What can we learn from these artistic leaders who were able to captivate the attention of thousands of museum visitors?
RECOGNIZE YOUR PERSONAL STORY
When I work with leaders in organizations and ask them how they arrived where they are today, they always have an extraordinary and unique story. Their journeys are often not linear but seem to evolve in ways that challenge their skills and knowledge. Ask yourself:
- How did I get here in my career and why did it happen this way?
- What are the overlapping themes running throughout my moves and choices?
- What motivators spurred me to take action and what de-motivators prevented me from propelling forward?
- Who impacted me along the way and how did those connections make a difference?
[Tweet “The first step in storytelling is discovering our personal story.”]
WRITE DOWN YOUR STORY
After reflecting, it is so helpful to put your narrative down on paper to visually see your journey with all its twists and turns. Taking it out of your head and writing it out clarifies what has truly transpired and assists you in organizing your story. Putting together the actual words helps your story come alive.
- Where does your narrative begin?
- How does your journey flow- in what sequence?
- Where do the influencers in your journey fit in and how do they impact your decisions and changes?
- At what point did you discover the path you are on now?
CREATE A CAPTIVATING PRESENTATION OF YOUR STORY
Just like the artists in the museum exhibit shared their journeys in an exhilarating way, we also have to tell our stories with gusto and might. If we can present our narrative in a meaningful and exciting way, our storytelling may have a profound impact on others we connect with.
- What is your style of sharing with others?
- Is there energy in how you are presenting your story?
- Is your journey written in a way that is relatable when you share it?
- Would you be interested if someone else told your story?
How do you create a meaningful story to share with others? What else elevates a leader’s storytelling?
Really enjoyed this post Terri. I’m a big believer in storytelling. The power of personal stories in companies is often not discussed. The presentation that we tend to like best, of course, is through pictures. We don’t think you have to be an artist to tell the story. If stick figures aren’t your thing, you can also use photographs. Thanks Terri!
You are so right, Joy that one does not need to be an artist to be a storyteller through pictures and I love the idea of using images to tell a story. You do that superbly and your images are so impactful.
Personal stories, told well and creatively, can empower others to try new things. The lessons from our narratives and images carry such weight in sharing lessons we’ve learned both in our successes and in our failures.
As always your insights are so appreciated!
I’m a big believer in leveraging the power of stories in leadership. I have a post coming up later this week, which is just perfect to link back to this. Great timing.
Stories do offer extraordinary lessons in a less preachy way and captivate people’s imaginations. I will definitely look forward to your next post, Karin and I so appreciate the link back!
You give great advice here, Terri!
Our personal stories are so much more powerful than we realize…they allow people to glimpse into a different world and see the parallels. So often, we do not give ourselves enough credit for the way in which we’ve overcome obstacles with grit and mental toughness to not only survive, but thrive!
Great post!
You bring up a great point about not empowering ourselves with the wisdom we gained through jumping over our hurdles along the way. Many times leaders don’t recognize their strengths and gifts. They don’t give themselves enough worth and often feel they have little to share. The truth is just the opposite- they have learned tremendous lessons just by leading.
The narratives leader can create can be a meaningful way to not only connect with others but also help them overcome their challenges.
Thanks LaRae for your great additions!
Stories are so very powerful, Terri, and we write them each and every day. We need to really understand the narrative we are building with each choice and each moment. At the end of a day, week, month, year, and life, we hope (dearly) that we have written a story to be pulled forward.
Through it all, we need to share our experiences, good and bad. In doing this, we learn more insight into ourselves as well as help someone along within their own story. This is our responsibility as a leader.
Great points and it is always wonderful to see a person’s story come out in their artwork. Thanks! Jon
Storytelling does have the added benefit of teaching the creator more about themselves. The narrative is not just helpful to others learning about the creator’s lessons, but also a way to get deeper understanding about our own journeys and decisions.
I love how stories use metaphors to make their points because it is much easier for people to relate to the anecdote symbols and characters than to a direct lesson.
As always, your comments elevate the dialogue and post! Thanks Jon!
Terri
Love storytelling as a bridge to shared experiences and sharing lessons learned without judgement of someone else’s unique path.
Great prompts too. Sharing our stories to pump us up = fail. Sharing meaningful stories at the right times = powerful.
Thanks, Terri!
The motivation behind sharing our stories needs to be authentic and genuine or others will definitely feel we are just shoving information down their throats. Thanks Alli for adding that piece.
Through the years I have gained a great respect for narratives as they often give us incredible insights into the people we are connecting with. After all, relationship building is at the center of meaningful leadership.
I appreciate your support, Alli!