295 Personal Stories and How They Matter
The relevance of stories in career and life is something that is undeniable, whether it be a professional story about a time you were vital to your team at work, or a more personal story that demonstrates skills that are so second nature to you that you don’t even think about them any more, learning when and how to share every story and how they put your talents and values on display is a skill that can take you above and beyond.
In this episode Sarah Elkins shares a personal story that exemplifies her skills, talents, and values, throughout the story listen for cues, and take note of how she tells the story in a way that compliments everyone and the situation they were in, and not just herself.
Highlights
Sharing personal stories to portray skills and values.
Check with yourself on what your intentions are regarding new projects and responsibilities.
Asking for help and advice can be critical in certain situations. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable, it means that you are willing to use the tools provided to you.
Quotes
“Listen again to hear the cues, notice how I included other characters in my story. Notice how I described my role in it so a listener would know I was the primary character while acknowledging that I didn’t succeed alone.”
“Sharing a story of a personal experience like mine is a great way to demonstrate your skills, character, and values.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What stories came to mind for you as I shared my family reunion story?
Think about the steps you took to make that project or experience successful.
Think about how you interacted with other characters in your story.
Were you the hero? Were you the guide?
Why does this story matter to you? What was the impact of your success?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!