Story: How We Represent Ourselves

Stories are fundamental to communication and to the way we make sense of the world. By story we don't mean a fiction, or a fabrication. Your Story is the way you represent yourself. It is your identity, the persona you show to the world. In a public setting, your story explains who you are and why you exist. In private, your story is even more powerful in that it shapes what you believe about yourself. Bear in mind, you can't not have a story.

A great story has several elements. It is simple and clear. Because a great story is always authentic (i.e. comes from Essence), it tells you what to do and how to behave. It tells other people how to relate to you.

Two kinds of stories are critical for leadership communication: the story you tell about yourself, and the stories others tell about you. The greater your leadership role, the more examination your story will attract. Competitors and disgruntled customers may forward a competing version of your story. Whose version will gain traction in the minds of your important audiences? How do you ensure that your story prevails?

See our Story Building Workshop for solutions.