Six Ways to Make Your Leadership a Great Story
When I meet people for the first time, I ask them to share stories. Oh sure, there are small talk introductions, but soon, I shift to their story because stories become the emotional connection point for us and here is why:
- It bridges the gap between us
- Everyone has a story to tell
- Stories tell us who we are
- Stories inspire and connect us
- They also touch our emotions and make us appreciate connections
- Stories give draw a picture of who we are, where we have been, and who we aspire to be
I believe we all want our lives to matter. We want our stories to be significant because it is something we are proud of. Following high school, I use to drive my white Volkswagen “bug” over to our small church in Beaverton, Oregon. My spiritual mentor, Ron Mehl, would take time with me and one day he said, “Steve, your life is before you. Fill the pages with service, your gifts, and extraordinary acts of greatness. Write a great story that matters.”
At that time, I was a year out of high school and was drifting. I made a decision to not go to college in Los Angeles, ended up graduating four years later, and started my story toward acts of greatness.
My encouragement to you is to write your story, a story of significance.
Remember, if your story isn’t as meaningful, significant, or compelling as you want it to be, you can change it.
Here are six tips on how to write a good story:
1. Push pause on your past and focus 100% of your energy on the present and future.
2. Remember, servant leadership yields the greatest returns.
3. Find the good in every day.
4. Put your strengths and gifts to work and expect great results.
5. Stop trying to be someone else. Be a great version of yourself.
6 Start writing a story that is intentional. Fill your pages with purpose, energy, achievements, and grace.
Finally, if the direction of your life is not all that you want it to be, take some time to write out what you want to accomplish.
Start writing your story today. Here are a few guidelines on how to get started:
1. My career/calling:
2. My family legacy:
3. My optimum health:
4. My financial purpose:
5. My growth mindset:
6. My life in balance:
7. My spiritual connection:
Here’s to your story-living!
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
