“Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins” is the title of a book by story master, Annette Simmons. Think about it. She’s right. Whether in the board room, the court room, the conference room, or the ladies’ or men’s room—stories abound. Who did what, why, when, and how. It’s the stuff of everyday conversation as well as organizational decisions.
Different people and different groups have different “stories” about the Chamber, it’s initiatives, successes, and positions. Their opinion is based on the story they believe to be true. The “story” that is most persuasive wins the most votes, garners the most support, moves the most people to action.
What “stories” are you telling about yourself, your Chamber, your community? Do they give insight into what you’re all about? Are they meaningful, memorable, and easily repeatable? And most of all, are they true?
Think about the story that is being created, each time member calls for help, the public hears a chamber exec speak, the chamber supports a particular political issue. Everyday we are part of an ongoing story, each day writing a new chapter through what we say and do.
Tap into the power of story. Listen to the story of others and tell yours. You’ll reach people hearts and minds–and what can be more persuasive than that.
