To Make a Change, Tell Yourself a Different Story

We often tell ourselves stories that shape the way they think and act, such as, “Everyday is always a battle.” For better or for worse, our stories shape what we notice and how we interpret it. They inform our decision making and behavior. If, for instance, you see your workplace as a battlefield, you expect hostility. You’re primed to attack and defend. Often, these stories don’t serve us well. There may come a time when you need to shift your guiding story to one that enables you to pursue new goals or do things differently. The first step is to identify and examine the stories you tell yourself and others. The next step is to consider how those stories affect you and your team. Any leader can begin to develop this powerful skill by learning to recognize the stories they live by, examining their effects, and refining them to emphasize empowering elements. The rewards of doing so include an increased sense of humanity, coherence, and liberation.