Written by: Emanuela Hall, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Harvard professor, Dr. Howard Gardner, once said, “stories constitute the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal.” What is it about stories that help a leader embody their power?
If Dr. Gardner’s sentiment is true, how can stories be used to influence others?
Stories unite us. They exist outside of time. The person telling the story is bringing the past to the present, while the listener is being brought into the past. The storyteller and the listener come together in a new, present moment. Using past events to entertain, or teach, in a way that is relevant now. We all know that the best stories are, “timeless”.
The act of telling one’s story has benefits to the storyteller. By sharing their story, the storyteller can heal a piece of it. If the story is one of pain or trauma, the storyteller, by releasing it, is letting the story play out again, but this time, outside of themselves. The story has less power over them. Often you’ll hear a storyteller say that the more times they tell the story, the easier it gets. It’s as if the act of telling the story allows them to let it go, little by little.
The other thing telling a story can do for the storyteller is ignite their inner passions. A storyteller can get “fired up” or very animated when they get into the intense parts of their story. Sometimes, a storyteller uses a different medium (other than words) to express their story. If the story is too emotionally charged, the storyteller may choose art, music, or dancing, to tell the story. This use of creative expression may also help the healing process while at the same time intriguing and captivating others.
Telling one’s story connects the storyteller with the listener in a deeply personal way. The two connect to a universal pain, desire, dream, shame or any other emotion that we humans tend to try and hide. The listener feels seen through the universal emotions brought to light inside the story, whether or not they experienced the specific events.
Likewise, after hearing a story, the listener is forever changed. They have witnessed the healing and passionate expression of the storyteller. They have been moved to think or feel through the experiences of the storyteller.
This is why telling your story as a leader is so powerful and so necessary.
If you want to inspire change, impact others, make a difference, or lead a team, then telling your story is the perfect tool to do so. It’s also enjoyable and engaging for the people you are wishing to impact or lead.
Here are some examples of how leaders can use their stories:
Tell the story of a time you overcame adversity to inspire someone to change their destructive behaviors.
Tell the story of when you felt like all hope was lost to impact the way people see themselves.
Tell the story of someone who made a difference in your life to illustrate the importance of generosity.
Tell an embarrassing personal story to your team to help them see you as a relatable person.
Telling stories has, and always will be, a huge part of our human existence. Great leaders of all generations and cultures knew this. If you’re seeking to enhance your leadership skills, or connect better with others, examine the stories in your life and how you could be using them as a tool for connection.
So I ask you, where will you share your story?
Emanuela Hall, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Emanuela Hall is a holistic speaking and presence coach, an actress, a movement instructor, and the CEO of Creative Wellness (a company that facilitates interactive performing arts workshops to people of all ages). Emanuela is also a homeschooling mama of 2 and, above all, a lover of stories. She believes that creativity matters, that stories unite us, and that everyone's got one to share!
Emanuela found her own story when she struggled with post-partum anxiety and breastfeeding. She turned this experience into her award-winning, one-woman play, My Breast Self. From then on, she became obsessed with helping others to heal, create, and connect through sharing their stories.
Emanuela works with executive leaders, entrepreneurs, and speakers to make a bigger impact by helping them to captivate their audience. She uses body, breath, and voice work to help her clients feel empowered and confident when they speak.
She loves music, food, and dancing on the beach :
