What’s your story?

Would you believe that there are more than 4 million books of fiction published every year?

I was amazed at this figure and although this is a global total, it’s still reinforces my belief that people like a good story!

Why is this relevant to you as you look to develop your career in change and transformation?

Well, it is a fact that a story pulls on your emotions much more than text book ever could.

Given that it is another fact that all purchases are driven from the emotional side of the brain first, then it makes sense doesn’t it that decisions on who to approach, who to interview, who to appoint are also driven by emotion.

If you agree with me to this point, doesn’t it make sense to tell your story within your online profiles and CV, in addition to discussing your story during the interview process.

Furthermore, once you become adept at this skill, you can utilise it to aid your delivery approach as you will build an emotional attachment to the change that you’re looking to make within the people that you are sharing the story with.

Most CVs/ online profile read like a text book – full of facts and pretty boring to the reader!

Engage readers by converting yours into a series of stories using this simple 6 step approach;

1. Describe what you found when first engaged and how people were feeling
2. Describe your initial thoughts and early discussions that you had with the team
3. Describe how the team considered their options and decided upon the way forward
4. Describe some of the issues that you faced as you progressed
5. Describe the outcomes (in terms of Value) that were delivered within the context of what you found originally
6. Describe how the team felt afterward and the key lessons that they were able to take

You don’t need to write chapter and verse, be succinct but adopt this general approach and you’ll be amazed at the reaction – people will be familiar with the situations that you describe and the feelings and concerns highlighted.

This familiarity will engage them at a far deeper level and will encourage them to ask you more questions to dig deeper into your story.

At this stage you have them hooked!