Telling purpose-driven stories engages strategic partners and clients. Because these stories do not sound like the quota- and KPI-driven stories they hear from other professionals. Even when these professionals are their own internal colleagues.
Now, you may not feel that your functional role involves telling stories. Yet, think again. Do you engage in any type of communication during the workday? Especially outside of your professional discipline? Communication matters.
Consider the role that storytelling can play in your professional development trajectory. Because storytelling creates client and employee experiences about you as a Leader of Worth.
First, purpose-driven stories connect the story of “what you do” to “what everyone else does.”
Does the main story you communicate scream: “I work so I can tick off a box on my To-Do list.” If so, consider whether your message is compelling to co-workers and colleagues. Where do they fit into your KPI-driven story? Is “To-Do List” quality reflected in the throughput you hand off to the next person in line? So, they are able to tell the same story? And tick off a box on their own To-Do list?
On the other hand, if you continuously engage all recipients as you create their next-steps in the project, you weave a storytelling thread into collaboration. What happens to that output: after it leaves your hands, your department’s, your division’s, your organization’s?
Connecting the story of “what you do” generates continuity of client- and employee- experience while creating more purpose-driven outcomes.
Next, purpose-driven stories are not self-focused stories.
When your story moves beyond why you need to make your numbers, something “more” happens. Strategic partners and clients become engaged in the why, what, how, when and whom of your story’s purpose. Your story takes a product, service or program and extends that object beyond that sales contract. Your story plugs into real-life scenarios and then, most importantly, takes that story much further.
When your stories focus less on selling and implementation, and more on bigger picture, longer-term outcomes, partners and clients are inspired. Otherwise they remain skeptical about the real purpose they serve for you: just another signed contract so you can make your numbers.
Isn’t it time to develop the skillset to extend the story you tell? And create a compelling, purpose-driven story, instead of a limited story? Consider the impact of purpose-driven storytelling on your leadership skills and career trajectory. Then, contact me and let’s develop your leadership storytelling skill set. Together.
Babette Ten Haken’s Story:
My One Millimeter Mindset® Storytelling Programs catalyze your purpose-driven professional success! Why wait for “someone else” to recognize your leadership, when you can accomplish your next-steps, yourself? Let’s you and I start leveraging your stories, today! All it takes is a little bit of action, on your part, like contacting me right here. C’mon. Click on that little link. I know you can do it! Then, become more visible, relevant and valuable to your organization. Let’s get to where you need to go. Together. I’m a member of SME, ASQ, SHRM and the National Speakers Association. Get started with my playbook of communication tools, Do YOU Mean Business? available on Amazon.com.
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