The Power of Creative Words: Curate Empowering Stories on Purpose
Is your story feeling a little stale? Although leading in the public sector or as a social entrepreneur is a true commitment to improving lives and communities, it’s easy to forget our big “Why?” It’s probably time to reframe your story.
Stories, a bunch of words right? Of course, we know otherwise. We know that our leadership is a reflection of our emotions, beliefs/thoughts, and words. These all inform each other - so let's take a closer look at how we can craft words on purpose. The power of words, through storytelling (ourselves and others), well not only help you change minds but change hearts.
Consider our word choices. We can focus on words that reflect goodness everywhere in abundance; however, there are times when things are outright depressing and sad. Sometimes it’s hard to choose powerful and creative words when we are unsure what to say during difficult times. Understandable. We have seen our communities in great suffering. This is why as leaders we have to know how to create narratives and choose words that empower, not only our communities but ourselves. This is not only a skill for leadership but a skill for life.
Sometimes just sharing words, via stories aloud, to a trusted friend or even simply writing in our journal can provide a forum for our emotions and thoughts. These stories, when empowered, can actually heal in unsuspecting ways. This is not about creating a story that is an untruth but creating empowering stories, ones that serve us so that we can be a better version of ourselves. In crafting our leadership story we are in positions where we can envision how stories could be useful as a vehicle to alleviate pain in our communities. Sharing stories and testimonials from multiple perspectives is a great practice.
I’ll use an example close to home. I had the opportunity to hear two social leaders, from very different communities, come together to discuss racial injustice in the United States as it’s occurring today. They had a productive discussion (e.g. no name-calling, no overlapping talk). I actually thought the conversation was amazing! The beautiful thing is, that at the end of their debate, they didn’t come to a resolution, but instead decided to peacefully end the conversation (for now). I was so inspired. It is from this inspiring place that I leave you with three takeaways about storytelling in leadership:
Empower your story. Everyone likes a comeback story. How can you sharpen your story so that it is one that actually serves your purpose and mission in your leadership work and beyond (ie. human rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, women empowerment). Most importantly craft your own story with carefully curated words. You are leaders so show what’s possible!
Engage multiple perspectives: This is something we are dearly needing in leadership now. The mind likes to keep us stuck where we are because it likes to keep us safe. I’m not saying jump ship or anything; but instead, think of ways you can lead differently using multiple perspectives from different communities. A great tool is the intercultural development inventory (IDI). I’m certified in this and have seen the difference it makes. Storytelling is sometimes implemented using oral traditions and narratives to collect stories of those who made a difference in their communities. This example can be used in various communities to engage multiple perspectives no matter where we are on the globe.
Creativity, not cookie cutters: These are just easy outs. Don’t get caught up in buying training that counters creative critical thinking. I’m all for ease, but not when it stifles our creativity (like pre-packaged leadership programs that just “tell” you what to do rather than make you think hard). Leadership is a lifelong journey. If there were easy outs leadership would be shallow. Although it may be easier for some to dismiss this story in search of “strategies,” keep in mind people who dismiss are operating from a place of fear. They are often worried about failure. Let’s be brave in our leadership.
These three examples are things you can try in your practices now. Of course, there are many many more leadership ideas than these.
Need to brush up your story? As with anything, you can do this work on your own, but if you want a personalized way to develop your story, then see my programs. The Masterclass is full of ideas and the Signature program is custom-designed for you! Luckily, both are open for enrollment. I hope to see you there, if not now, in the future. If you have questions, be sure to complete the contact form.
Be safe and stay lavish.