The Power of Storytelling

Throughout history, stories have played a profound role in shaping our experiences and the way we view the world. They are the cherished fabric of our belief systems that connects our lessons, memories and self-discovery. Many times, though, emotionally-rich stories that have the power to change the way we think, behave and lead go unheard and unacknowledged. 

For instance, take the life and legacy of Mary W. Jackson, who became the first African-American female engineer at NASA in 1958. Recently, NASA named the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., after her. Jackson successfully overcame the sweltering barriers of segregation, inequality, racial terror, and gender bias to become a professional aerospace engineer and leader in ensuring equal opportunities for future generations and women of color in the field of engineering and technology. 

But you see, the trailblazing genius and courageous acts of Mary W. Jackson went untold in the public eye for decades before catching widespread national attention in 2016 with Margot Lee Shetterly's book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. The book that became adapted into a motion picture that same year captured the ground groundbreaking performance of Jackson and her three African-American female colleagues: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden. They each served as the brains within NASA’s West Area Computing Unit and behind one of the most significant space operations in history. 

As leaders, coaches, and educators, we must examine the stories we have told to date and reflect on the stories we will express with high energy and purpose as we go forward. Too often, we get blindsided into repeating the same adage of others without customizing our approach and delivery for our teams. Every day, we have a unique opportunity not just to make a statement but to actually communicate a message. Messages tell stories that resonate with the listeners. They are a commitment that builds a bridge of credibility, authenticity, trust, buy-in and stay-in. 

While compelling leadership storytelling helps clarify the vision and mission of our culture, while also addressing challenges and driving organizational change, stories also humanize our interaction — thus providing moments for collective growth and discovery. Remember, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Storytelling will allow you to get to the hearts and minds of those you lead.

The stories we tell reflect the awareness and insights of ourselves and of our environments. Recognize that moments of uncertain times can be influential teachers. Now more than ever, stories of collaboration, while using the words “WE” and “US”, have to be told. We must allow our teams to see this unique moment in history as a cry for collaboration that we pull through together. During these remaining six months of 2020, the stories we tell must view our organizational and societal problems as opportunities for exponential growth and movement forward. 

So take time to understand your story and the paths others have walked to get to where they are today. Each of us has a story waiting to be told. It is our responsibility as leaders, positive difference-makers, and change agents to never stop learning, unlearning, and re-learning. This daily action positions us to uncover the plethora of hidden figures whose stories remain untold. Their experiences can become the framework we use to lead, coach, teach, empower, and inspire our teams to new levels of high performance and excellence even in times of uncertainty.

But we must put in the work first to discover these transformative narratives. 

P.S. If you are in search of a book recommendation, our team at The Daily Coach highly recommends Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. The phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. Now a major motion picture starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner.

Please forward and share this email with your friends and family.