What IS the Magic, Anyway?

The personal story engages the listeners. The story that takes not forever to tell engages listeners' minds. The story that doesn't scream "all about me" engages listeners' hearts.

If the listeners work on your team, their engagement of mind and heart is for your good. Probably for their good, too.

But is that magic? Why do I say there's magic in story-sharing?

Three reasons off the top of my story-telling experienced head:

Surprise. A manager invites an employee to hear a story. That planes away some of the "work filter"  between them, through which everything is spoken/heard. With pleasant surprise, the employee eagerly listens. From surprise comes the employee's investment. That personal investment is a specific type of engagement. The quality and value of the story can transfer that moment's engagement to added engagement in work and work environment.

Credibility. Anytime (everytime?) someone shares a personal story, we get to know her better. The better we know her, the more believable she becomes. The credibility of those we work with impacts our willingness to engage with them in the work we share. The more we learn of someone's personal experiences, the greater her authenticity. Engagement? Credibility? Authenticity? Their linkage is obvious.

Identity. Not only does the story-sharing increase credibility; it also generates the listener's identity mechanism. He hears a story and simultaneously identifies a comparable story of his own. In other words, simply telling a story stimulates feelings of shared experience, shared learning, shared identity elements. And with that identity comes appreciation. Aren't we more willing to do things for and with those whom we appreciate?

On Thursday, May 22, I'll explore many more ways you can make story-sharing a magical part of your employee engagement efforts. For information, click here: Make Magic with Stories.