Marcus Blankenship recently sent an email on the stories leaders tell to “illustrate [their] values, pass on (usually painful) lessons, or communicate key points”:
Have you ever thought of your stories like this? Your winning stories, losing stories, and the stories of how you overcame adversity? Stories that inspire, or act as a warning to others?
I feel like I tell long rambling stories to my team, primarily to entertain. I like to think they inspire, but probably not. Marcus suggests a way to make better use of our stories:
You might sit down and make a list of some of the stories you’ve found yourself telling as you lead your team. Creating a written story inventory is a great way to see them with fresh eyes, and you might find new, fresh perspectives on them.