Facts, pleas, excitement, data, anger, politics, fear, outrage, logic. These are just some of the tools we use to influence others, to create change. They can work…for a while…sometimes…for some people.
As leaders (with or without title), influencers, and sellers, we can really galvanize and sustain change by telling compelling stories. Pick a hero (normally, a representation of the person or people you wish to have change). Describe the current state, the desired future state, and the obstacles. Then tell how the hero reaches the desired state, past the obstacles. Make sure we get the emotion as well as the logic.
We all react to stories. They cut through the noise and numbness in ways that logic or emotion never can.
In your corner,
Mike
PS: Smaller problems need simpler stories. Have a big challenge or change to make? Tell an epic-in-scope (not necessarily in length) story.
Today’s photo credit: aphotoshooter via photopin cc