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This past weekend I visited the 911 Memorial Museum in lower Manhattan, NYC. Although I reside and work in the Metro-NYC area, I haven’t had a chance to see this precious site. I remember September 11th so vividly as do so many people in this part of the country. I have such incredible memories of that day, including a panic of waiting for my husband to come home from work safely from his NYC office on that day. It was a frightening day and I knew visiting this site would bring back emotions and sadness. I just didn’t realize how much sorrow I still carry within me and the profound impact that day had on my being. It all came flowing back with my visit as I watched leaders emerge as heroes. 911 was a day of extraordinary leadership and survival.

What made the memorial come alive for me were the stories shared by survivors, relatives of those who perished and all those who worked so hard to rescue those trapped in the two towers. They all led through their brave actions and we all hear about their courage through storytelling.

[Tweet “Storytelling helps leaders bring their actions to life.”]

Here is how storytelling helps leaders:

STORIES CAPTURE OUR EMOTIONS

The moment you walk onto the promenade of the North and South Pools you feel something well-up inside of you. Seeing the thousands of visitors reading all the names alongside the pools tugs at your heart. The infinity pools pull us in and we are ready to let go and experience our emotions. The pools begin to tell the narrative of that tragic day.

STORIES ARE RELATABLE

Inside the memorial there are pictures, artifacts and stories about the 3,000 people in the two towers. Some of the stories are told through the voices of family members and some are on notes written by the victims. We can each connect with a story or an object. We grow to learn about the everyday and extraordinary lives of these beautiful souls.

STORIES MAKE IMPORTANT POINTS

Through storytelling, the visitors get to see what actually happened on that horrific day and why it happened. We also see the brave NY police and firefighters risking their lives, not realizing what was actually about to take place for each of them. Listening and viewing the burned remnants transforms you.

STORIES BUILD FUTURE LEADERS

When we share stories of how we lead in difficult situations, we are offering lessons and knowledge to grow from. We describe ways to be better prepared and skilled. We suggest areas to improve through training and coaching. We help develop future leaders to be more aware and capable. By opening up through stories, future leaders see our vulnerabilities as well as our courage to be better.

We hope to never see another tragedy like 911 again. If you can visit this exquisite memorial, do take the time. You will not regret it. Just know your heart and mind will be profoundly opened.

How have stories helped you to be a stronger, more effective leader?

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

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