Story in Communications
Leadership Thought of the Day
There are many talents and skills a leader needs to be proficient at, but the skill of communication is one that we must consider as an imperative. The ability to effectively communicate is indispensable for a leader, and it is nearly impossible to delegate. I like the way John Maxwell puts it in “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, when he says, “The truth is that nearly anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. That is the Law of Navigation.” Leaders indeed chart the course for the team to take. When they themselves have come to an understanding of the path forward, they then need to effectively communicate that direction to the team. They must cast their vision of the destination and the final state of the mission in a way this is clear, simple and motivating. Influence comes about when we can inspire and motivate the team to put forth the good faith efforts required to accomplish the mission. They must understand the mission before they can set out to accomplish it and that only comes about from effective and frequent communications.
One technique of effective communication is the use of “story”. To be motivational and inspirational in our communications, it is often useful to explain the mission in the form of a story. Stories are powerful ways to communicate and capture the minds and spirits that we wish to lead. Howard Gardner expounded on this in “Leading Minds” where he wrote, “… the story is a basic human cognitive form; the artful creation and articulation of stories constitutes a fundamental part of the leader’s vocation. Stories speak to both parts of the human mind – its reason and emotion… further, … it is stories of identity – narratives that help individuals think about and feel who they are, where they come from, and where they are headed – that constitute the single most powerful weapon in the leader’s literary arsenal.”
Stories can be indirect, illustrating a point that will be later brought to light in the discussion. The parables told by Jesus were stories that indirectly lead him to the point he wished to communicate. Stories can also be direct, as when a speaker begins to discuss their own personal involvement and commitment to a mission. Both ways, stories can be powerful means to communicate and you should seek ways to practice weaving them into your own communications when it is natural to do so.
Below are two links to some Fox News interviews of Reverend Ken Dupin, founder and CEO of N2Care. I have the pleasure of working with Ken as he leads his startup company on a very important mission of creating an industry of family managed health care. Watch the first clip of “On the Hunt” with Jonathan Hunt. Ken does a fine job in the interview, keeping poised and calm in what we can all agree would be a stressful situation, a NATIONAL INTERVIEW to promote his new product! But about half way through the interview, Mr. Hunt asks something along the lines of ,”How did you come up with this idea?” At that point, watch Ken come alive. He tells the story of his travels, his observations and the life changing commitment that he makes to aid the elderly in our society. Watch his hand motions open up and become more demonstrative. Feel yourself becoming drawn into the conversation as you think about your own loved ones who face the inevitable plight of old age. Ken is communicating from his heart and his head, and he is connecting with his audience in a powerful way
Two links: Fox News 11/29/2012
Ken, thanks for letting us use you as a good example in our Leadership Thought of the Day, and great job with the interviews. Stick with the story of Med Cottage. It is powerful.
Stay Strong,
Terry
