First of all - thanks to my readers for your patience during the absence of my posts. I am climbing my way over the edge of the writers/creative block. I commit to sending out what I have learned through this funk - stay tuned.
OK- Share Your Story! I recently had the super blessing of serving my friend Melvin Chancey on his own keynote talk regarding "His Story." The best part of it has come as a member of his audience 3 times during the last month. I like to sit in the back for several reasons with one of those being to watch his audience. I have only seen totally engaged managers, whether it through clinched jaws fighting back tears or smiles to digest some humor or powerful looks of inspiration. People have reached out to Melvin for leadership and life advice as a result of this. What about managers he may have had challenges with? Well - I know of one that gave him a hug. No words, just a hug - perhaps the best way to show respect and thanks at times. These are his very own team members that he is speaking to, not just a group of people he'll never see again. It has been a great experience for many of us and we are going to build on it and raise up more leaders as a result.
Set your story to teach people and grow them as a person and leader. You see, Melvin just like you and me is learning so much from his own life and was able to communicate very honestly about his struggles and victories while bringing them all to a great leadership principle!
I encourage all of you leaders, especially those of you with a large platform of influence to prepare your story. Sit down with a close trusted friend and share your story while they take note of your powerful reality. Break it down with a time line that will allow you to follow it well. Get alone and piece it all together and find 1-3 major learning experiences that you know will benefit others. Form it to a message and stand proud before your team. This will provide them more leadership knowledge than a great book and it will touch their heart.
Follow the purpose of renowned speech coach Nick Morgan:
"The only reason to give a speech is to change the world!"
If you are a communicator or wish to learn more on giving great speeches - read this: Give Your Speech, Change the World by Nick.
Sharing your story can be tough for some. Your vulnerability will reveal courage and inspire others to do the same. Your next generation leaders will appreciate you more than you know - they want connection to people - not just computers!
A Quote that reminded me so much of Melvin and his talk:
“A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability, he’s about absolute vulnerability, that’s the only true courage.”.................From the Movie: Peaceful Warrior
Be a Melvin Chancey and "GIVE YOUR STORY" to your team.
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