Stories Leadership Storytelling

Story sharing – an underrated art in business & leadership

Leadership
September 29, 2024•2 min read

When I suggest to team leaders to introduce story sharing as part of their strategies to strengthen team cohesion and conflict reduction, I sometimes hear: “We have no time for that.”

If they just knew how much time they can save by inspiring their team members to share their stories! Precious time that is gained through the benefits of story sharing. While some have recognized these benefits, others are still not convinced about why they should make time for story sharing. Here’s what stories can do for your team:

Stories…

Connect

Dispel myths

Increase understanding

Enhance cultural sensitivity and awareness

Reduce risk of stereotyping

Diminish suspicion and increase trust

Strengthen bonds

Inspire others to greatness

Story sharing literally pulls people out of their “boxes” (the imaginary categories we make up for people in our minds) and into their humanness.

You may have noticed that I didn’t say “story telling.” There’s a good reason for that: It’s not so much about “telling” others something they “should” know about us. It’s about “sharing” who we really are, where we’re coming from, what makes us who we are. This requires mature vulnerability.

As leaders, if we want our story to be inspiring to others, it’s important to stay in authenticity and to include the transformation we went through, from a specific starting point, like a difficulty or adversity we encountered, toward a breakthrough or success we achieved despite the initial situation.

If we want others to get to know us better, we may want to talk about something they don’t know about us yet but that is of significance to us and that helps them understand us better.

Are you a team leader who would like to introduce this underappreciated practice for your team but don’t know how to best go about it? Just email me. Happy to help you out.

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As the CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber drives bold, heart-centered leadership. She helps her clients accelerate their careers and become thriving leaders by leveling up their leadership of self & others. Her eclectic experience on five continents started in Germany and includes leadership roles at BCG as well as ownership of businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. This experience shaped her into a multicultural Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. She created five signature coaching frameworks and is the host of RISE TO LEAD Podcast. She also co-authored three other books and speaks five languages. Over the years, she has spoken at events and taught workshops in the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. For several years, she was an active Member of the Leadership Team of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), where she co-chaired two committees, and she has collaborated with numerous organizations in Africa. She is a Member of Innovation Women. She was also the host of the What’s Your Spark TV show. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and dance.

Regina Huber

As the CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber drives bold, heart-centered leadership. She helps her clients accelerate their careers and become thriving leaders by leveling up their leadership of self & others. Her eclectic experience on five continents started in Germany and includes leadership roles at BCG as well as ownership of businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. This experience shaped her into a multicultural Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. She created five signature coaching frameworks and is the host of RISE TO LEAD Podcast. She also co-authored three other books and speaks five languages. Over the years, she has spoken at events and taught workshops in the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. For several years, she was an active Member of the Leadership Team of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), where she co-chaired two committees, and she has collaborated with numerous organizations in Africa. She is a Member of Innovation Women. She was also the host of the What’s Your Spark TV show. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and dance.

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