How do you use storytelling to mentor and coach others and develop their leadership potential?

I also love how stories activate connection between us by releasing happy neurotransmitters in our brains that co-mingle! So much better than a slide with bullet-point data.

Story telling is the key to tell someone why they should care about what you’re saying. Because why should they if they can’t relate to you? Relatability in the age of social media has proven to be an excellent tool for people to connect while on different sides of the globe. Mentor, top speakers, coach… all use story telling and the power of their own life story to prove they are not just another voice, but the voice you should listen to to guide you.

People don't remember what you told, people remember how you made them feel. A Story naturally connects with the emotion of the listener. A Story can be told to inspire and develop leadership potential in other people. Inspiring stories directly connect with the pulse of an audience/listener and encourage them to take action.

A well-crafted story is a powerful instrument of influence, but crafting a story is just the beginning. It's the telling of the story that breathes life into it. The 'how' is as important as the 'what'. Haven't we all come across high-potential stories that lost their spark in the telling? The greatest stories resonate because they make us feel something. So remember, each story you tell is an opportunity to connect, engage, and inspire. Make it count!

Both for coaching and leadership development, stories are a great way to hit on difficult or sensitive topics without isolating your audience. You can usually cut through peoples defenses by helping them see the full picture of how certain behaviors and actions can impact things without making them feel like you are pointing the finger or calling them out individually. It’s also ideal if the stories are from your own experience since it allows them to be more authentic and relatable. People are captured by stories, and you can then connect the lessons from your experience to tangible ways your audience can do the same. Additionally, it provides a higher degree of credibility since you’re not just talking concepts.

Storytelling is more than a leadership tool—it's a leadership mindset. When we recognize and leverage the power of stories, we don't just communicate—we inspire, engage, provoke, and transform. There's an oft-overlooked facet of storytelling in leadership: vulnerability. In our race to construct invincible narratives, we sometimes forget the power of raw and authentic storytelling. Yes, we celebrate victories, but shouldn't we also be sharing our challenges, our failures, and our learnings? It's in these valleys of vulnerability that true connection, trust, and growth take place.

While stories are a fantastic tool, don’t make things up. Making up a powerful story may sound like an easy way to get your message across, but people will pick up on the lack of authenticity and you’re in trouble if they ask follow-up questions. Once you destroy your credibility, it’s all downhill from there. A mediocre story that’s genuine is far better than a made up super hero story, so keep it real.