Last Thursday was our presentation (we, the three book authors) at the annual Microsoft Conference “TechReady12.” It went fabulously, with great reviews, attendance and feedback (the seminars are always graded by the attendees).
One of the things that struck me the most, and in which I am most encouraged by, was a predominant topic which is not always common to tech-based business: “soft skills.” In this technological age, and in this techie city, it is truly refreshing to talk to so many people that are so passionate about forming and telling stories as a valuable commodity, when working on influencing and facilitating discussions and decisions for projects IT-based projects. Let’s be clear, the book is not solely meant for IT audiences, but it is an one of several target audiences.
Telling stories are so valuable in a day and age of disconnects, and work that can often be less-than memorable in nature. Stories bring intention and connection to our work, and a sense of genuine regard for bringing a “personal face” to the work we do. When we frame our persuasive presentations in the context of something real and tangible, it can not only provide a certain entertainment value, but as Martin mentioned in the presentation, audiences can relate more personally, and it can become the “story that sticks” in your mind, having a greater tendency to inspire decision-makers and stake-holders to take more immediate action, because they feel a greater sense of “urgency.”
In our social interactions—whether we realize it or not—telling stories are what we do as human beings to connect and create memories that allow us to share, where we can feel like we’re a part of something much bigger.
The presentation on Thursday reminded me that any perceived “differences” amongst a predominantly IT-based crowd are somewhat superficial when we have the opportunity to experience living “in the moment” with others, sharing some context of our lives, and what we are passionate about.
Sharing our stories, whether for business or for living, creates understanding that blurs the boundaries of any perceived differences, or at least—it can bring us one step closer to realizing that we are all part of something much bigger than our everyday sensory experience tells us—we’re part of a bigger community that is not solely about gadgets and data (yours truly can be a true digit head sometimes). It’s an important reminder of how relevant the human side of doing “good-business” can be, and that it’s actually all around us—if we choose to grasp the reins and take the chance.
I am excited and encouraged to continue work on the book.
:)
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Mark,what a great post.
ReplyDeleteI just got back from my blogging group (I am no longer reticent) and we were having a discussion on this very topic. We don't relate to the facts and figures, we relate to the human elements, the stories.
I was asked how I could get across in writing being a "Purveyor of Hugs" and I answered it is in my story. Our stories connect us in ways we can't imagine and you got just love the magic in that.
Thanks for your voice and sharing your story.
Yes, you know this truly is the foundation of our culture and the way we evolve as a society. Everything is story. How we define, interpret, reason, discover, and convey our opinions and perspectives. Okay, so you know it has always been my passion as a citizen journalist, but words, sounds, rhythm, resonance is the vibrational energy that fills our spaces between. Bravo! Yay! Resonating, echoing, illuminating the new perspectives of all the communal stuff we are part of. Yay Mark! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much you guys!
ReplyDeleteI believe that stories can truly change our resonance/vibration, and express feelings that just don't happen verbally or in writing. This is an exciting time, if we are open to it, and choose to look beyond what we are 'given' as the norm or even what we expect to see.
It IS magic, and that's what can't be expressed in words...
Exciting.