Tag Archive for: stories

Why leaders tell stories

We’re all unique.
If you are anything like me, through our daily experiences, each of us gathers small nuggets of wisdom.
When we share our stories, we pass those nuggets on.
They help others learn, reflect, change, and grow.
That has certainly been my experience over the last few months.
In my new role as a leadership facilitator with Aviva, I’ve shared many personal stories.
Not to be the centre of attention, but to support learning and development.
It’s about being vulnerable and building connection by sharing a story with your whole heart.
Life experience has taught me that you need to be able to share your personal and organisational stories in all kinds of settings.
These last few months the stories I have shared have mostly been in the learning rooms or a virtual session.
Some stories are small, others are long, some are funny and entertaining, whilst others are serious and significant.
But the best stories, are always the ones that come to you in the very moment you need them.
I’ve learned to trust that. When a story comes to mind, it’s usually there for a reason.
Last week, during a leadership session, a story surfaced unexpectedly.
I asked for a volunteer and shared an experience from thirty years ago that had suddenly come into my thoughts and the impact was immediate.
It opened up insight, discussion, and learning for everyone in the room.
Don’t be afraid to tell your stories in those moments of truth.
Storytelling is a powerful leadership and learning tool. When used with intention, it creates connection, deepens understanding, and brings learning to life.
If you’ve been carrying a story, one shaped by success, challenge, failure, or learning, consider sharing it.
You never quite know who needs to hear it, or what it might unlock for them.
I’d love to hear your stories too.
The moments that shaped you, taught you something unexpected, or changed the way you lead or live.
What would change if you trusted your story and shared it when it surfaced?

Bart = Instant Joy

When Bart walked into our house the other day, the whole place just lit up and bubbled with joy!
I don’t know why exactly, but when he is around, everything just seems so much better.
Literally and figuratively!
At 6 foot 8, he’s just simply impossible to miss, but it’s his spirit that really fills the room.
I first met Bart back in April 2008 in Provo, Utah.
Monic however, had already painted a vivid picture of him long before that.
Their story started in 1990, when Bart showed up in Utrecht, Netherlands, as a brand-new missionary.
Back then, he didn’t understand a word of Dutch and just followed his companion around hoping for the best.
The way he tells it, is literally comedy gold.
You could listen to his stories for hours and these last couple of days, we truly have!
Bart is a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and stories you’ll never forget.
This week, he swept through our lives again, arriving on Sunday evening after taking a train up from London and then renting a car.
Back again last night, after an epic, rapid-fire (36 Hour) tour of Scotland, from the Trossachs to Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness and St. Andrews, (yes, photos included!), he showed up beaming, a wee bit tired, and full of even more wild tales.
Every visit with Bart is more than a catch-up, it’s more like an event.
He seems to have boundless energy.
And he loves to practice his Dutch.
It’s the kind of experience you don’t just remember, you 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍.
He honestly feels like a human sunbeam!
So, if you ever get the chance to hang out with Bart, our advice, take it.
Don’t think.
Just say yes.
And Bart, next time you visit, you’ll need to stay a wee bit longer!
We simply need to get more time with you…it is such fun!
We need a reunion Part 2 in Provo too, next time we visit with you!
Because when Bart shows up, our experience is, life gets a whole lot more awesome!!

Once Upon A Time….

Consider the meaning of “𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆”….
Its a phrase that starts many of our most beloved fairy tales.
Storytellers use these words to alert their readers to the fact that the story wasn’t for real. It was to be enjoyed and learned from, but it actually didn’t happen.
Every moment in time only happens once.
The implication of that fact is frequently forgotten. Time passes all too quickly, leaving only the memory of it. We can never relive a moment. All we have of the past is the memory that becomes our story.
Unlike the fairy tales of our childhood, our story is real.
The secret to making each moment better is to stop spending too much time concerning ourselves about the past, or worrying about the future.
Neither do us any good.
Commit to live in each moment, to look around and be aware of others’ needs so you can help. Pay attention to the beauty all around, enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that are part of each moment.
As we approach each moment fully aware that time will happen only once, our stories, too, can be different. As we reach out and serve others, we not only help them gain the “happily ever after” they desire, but we also come closer to making our very own happy ending.
Stop and consider your own once upon a time.