How do you craft authentic and creative leadership stories?

When it comes to leadership stories, people want to understand the personal stories of struggle and failure that culminates into the position that one is in today. Reality is more bitter than fiction. What people would like is a sneak peek into your bitter behind-the-curtain stories. The hard work and sweet bitter moments that contribute to the leader as a person, as an individual. Rather than giving life jargons, what can be more effective is allowing people into your life in a way that they can learn from your hard lessons. Thats the most effective form of leadership story telling

Your purpose is your guiding star, the north on your compass of leadership. It's the fuel that ignites your passion and propels you forward, inspiring others to join you on your journey. When you find your purpose, you tap into an endless reservoir of energy and determination, driving you to overcome any obstacle in your path. So, dive deep within yourself, unearth your purpose, and let it shine through every word and action, illuminating the path for those who follow.

Here's a cheat code for life: you can choose your narrative. I could say I'm the guy who couldn't make two corporate careers work because I was too bored by optimizing business processes and too shy to cold-call people all day in London. I could even say I've failed because I'm not a senior *insert fancy job title* like some friends. But I could also say I've chosen my own path, declining my first job offer, traveling Southeast Asia on my own, learning how to mix cocktails, moving to a metropolis on my own, and starting my own ghostwriting business to help people improve their storytelling. It's on you what to believe AND what to tell. You're the one empowering yourself (or not). Choose wisely.

When choosing a story to tell, whether a story of leadership or something else, your audience is pivotal in the selection of narrative. The meaning of long, complex and boring will all depend on context - in this case, that context is represented by the intended recipients of your story's core message. Similarily, relevant, meaningful and memorable is found in analysing your audience carefully. Where are they on their leadership journeys? What will resonate with them? What will give them a boost to continue? Start there, and you'll ensure an impactful story selection from the get-go.

One thing to remember is that even if your story has a beginning, middle, end...it might not be a "compelling" story. The key to really pulling people in, is to carve out a slice of time you're talking about, not just a general situation. You need to get them into your body by describing what you are feeling, seeing, experiencing. Mostly importantly, your story needs have a hurdle. I think often times, leaders are afraid that hurdles and vulnerability make them appear weak, but it's the opposite.

Every great story has a structure, a rhythm that guides the listener from beginning to end, captivating their attention and stirring their emotions along the way. Craft your story with intention, building suspense, tension, and resolution in all the right places. Create a narrative arc that takes your audience on a journey, leading them from a place of familiarity to one of transformation, leaving them inspired and empowered to take action.

A well-structured story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, guiding the audience through your leadership journey. Start by setting the context, introducing the challenge or opportunity you faced. Then, describe the actions you took and the obstacles you overcame. Finally, conclude with the results and the lessons learned. This structure ensures that your story is engaging and easy to follow, reinforcing the leadership qualities you want to showcase.

Me parece importante aclarar que yo escribo sobre historias de personas en situación de vulnerabilidad, pobreza, indigencia, situación de calle. Escribo sobre historias reales. Por eso, para cuidar la privacidad de esas personas, elijo cambiar los nombres. Pero SIEMPRE que he escrito una historia usando un nombre, por más que no sea el real, la historia tuvo más impacto. Siempre tuve mucho registro de esos detalles que me conmueven al vivirlos para luego narrarlos. Me doy cuenta por los comentarios o mensajes, que esos detalles son los que hacen la diferencia. Por último, apelo a narrar realidades pero no a dar "golpes bajos". Quiero generar empatía, no lástima. Jamás olvido eso.

Don't be afraid to add your own unique flair to your leadership stories. Infuse them with humour, drama, or suspense, whatever it takes to keep your audience engaged and enthralled. Paint vivid pictures with your words, evoking emotions and imagery that transport your listeners to another place and time. Your flair is what sets your stories apart, making them memorable and impactful long after they've been shared.

?? Stories stick with us. Details make them unforgettable. ???? Imagine the bustling noise of a newsroom, typewriters clattering away. Suddenly, the editor yells, "Stop the presses!" Stories come alive with moments like these. Quotes and conversations are the lifeblood of engaging tales. Consider the sage advice of a mentor or witty banter between colleagues. Sensory details are your paintbrush. Describe the scent of fresh coffee, the hum of fluorescent lights, or the warmth of a sunny morning meeting. Figurative language adds spice. "Her determination was a rock in a storm," resonates more than saying she was determined. Leave them with a twist or lesson.

Just have fun. Period. It's really that simple! Would YOU sit through the presentation you're giving? ?? Personality and energy are infectious. Don't try to be anybody you're not. Take a stance. Choose a corner of the room. They’ll come for your opinion.

Authenticity is key to leadership storytelling. Avoid textbook stories! Stop modelling your stories after those of other storytellers who seem to be more advanced in their storytelling journey. Ask yourself "what is a story that only I can tell?". Craft that story and share it with the world.

Algo que abunda mucho en la narración de historias de ONGs o Fundaciones, es el liderazgo individual. Se viven generando "Rockstars" de la transformación que parece que hicieran todo solos, o que fueran por el mundo salvando vidas. Ese tipo de artículos me generan repulsión. También lo hacen aquellos que sacan todo el poder de la persona y se lo pasan al agente social que las ayuda. Intento evitar eso. A la vez, el narrar lo que salió bien pero también la enorme cantidad de cosas que salen más, me hacen sentir no solamente más sincera, sino más cercana. No todas las personas saben cómo ayudar a otros, a veces lo viven con culpa, y ese no es un sentimiento que quiera genera, porque paraliza, no motiva a accionar. La autenticidad es esencial!

Authentic leadership stories stem from your true self and leadership style. Often, I encounter stories modeled after TED Talks or other popular formats, but the delivery falls flat. If it's not how you naturally interact with your stakeholders daily, it won't resonate with them at all. Good, authentic stories often involve real experiences of trials and tribulations, vulnerabilities, and successes. Tap into your natural style and make it work for you. For example, humor may not be your creative outlet if you're a hard facts person, but presenting compelling data that shocks or awes them could have a lasting impact.

You might ask yourself where to start to finally be "authentic". It's easier done than said (yeah, that's right), if you: 1. Realize your failures AND successes 2. Find the transformations you've been through 3. Keep it simple by writing/talking the way you'd do it anyway Don't only hide behind fancy words, big successes, or people you've impressed. Instead, you also help people relate by sharing your failures, transformations, and those who've impressed you. Being authentic is transactional because although you share what matters most to you, you also relate to what others say.

In crafting authentic and creative leadership stories, remember to consider your audience, their needs, desires, and perspectives. Tailor your stories to resonate with them, speaking their language and addressing their concerns. Be mindful of the context in which you are sharing your stories, adapting them to suit the situation and the medium through which they will be communicated. And above all, never stop refining and honing your storytelling craft, for it is through continual practice and iteration that we truly master the art of leadership storytelling.