What are Stories and Why do they Matter?

Me Stories

Identity is a creative act. We have multiple selves whom we discover as time goes on, and it is the stories we tell ourselves about our experiences and not the actual experiences which guide our lives.

Our lives are full of turning points - those moments when something that happens outside of us changes something inside of us. Often these points are challenges and traumatic events. You have the ability to reframe the narrative of that trauma, of those challenges, into your origin story. Then by telling your "me story" you can empower others to believe in their own power.

We Stories

We belong to many communities, including our families, friend groups, neighborhoods, and organizations. Each community we belong to has its own beliefs, characteristics, traditions, and cultural dynamics.

Sometimes it is hard to see the core, the theme of the "we story," of your community from the inside. But by observing the words and actions of those around you, the values and motivations that drive them become clear. Those core beliefs and dynamics are an invisible force, like gravity or magnetism, you may not be able to see the forces themselves, but you can see their effects.

Sometimes we discover that our values and those of our communities are no longer aligned, and when that happens we can make informed decisions regarding the next chapter in our story.

Administration

Organizations need storytellers to improve their administration. Stories allow us to:

Create and transmit the mission, values, and goals of our organizations,
Recruit new employees,
Develop and train on policies and procedures,
Persuade without sounding like selling,
Make things personal and create interaction.

Inspiration

Organizations need storytellers to provide inspiration. Stories allow us to:

Inspire longevity in our current employees,
Create safe spaces for listening, learning, failing, and growing,
Form an inclusive culture,
Create motivation and enthusiasm through connection,
Connect with those of to all nations, societies, and cultures.