Strengthen our identity through storytelling

"Humans need to believe in stories, even if they know they are false."

Yuval Noah Harari

According to Yuval Noah Harari, what makes humans unique is their ability to tell themselves stories—and to believe in them. Neuroscience research increasingly supports this idea. It is therefore essential to become aware of the stories we tell ourselves so that we can choose those that help us be happy and achieve our goals.

In business, it’s the same: let’s build meaningful stories together—stories that positively influence the decisions of our audience. In fact, my own definition of storytelling is “the art of telling a story that resembles reality and predicts our success.”

Let’s develop our ability to tell our own story—and to tell the right story.

Changing the Story We Tell Ourselves

One of my coachees once told me she was particularly stressed before a meeting with a client. I asked her to tell me the story behind her stress, and she explained:
“What might stress me is leading on a topic I don’t know well enough, especially if I’m the only one giving it my all and others aren’t. Injustice can set me off—I go on a crusade, get worked up, and show my disapproval.”

This strong value of justice made her interpret situations harshly—she would “go on a crusade.” By telling her story, she became aware of this pattern and was able to rewrite the narrative she told herself.
(Excerpt from “10 Cases of Managerial Coaching” – Dunod)

Improving Your Story to Achieve Your Goals

An authentic story is one that is 70% true to reality. Many leaders excel at owning the success of others—and that’s important, because it strengthens their ability to make tough decisions.

Muhammad Ali constantly repeated to himself, “I am the greatest”—and that’s how he became it! He even said:
“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”

Boosting Your Impact Through Nonverbal Communication

Enhancing your executive presence involves several actions: improving your vocal delivery, refining your articulation, using appropriate gestures, maintaining eye contact, and keeping a warm smile. All these help create an authentic connection and strengthen your relationship with colleagues or clients.

Building Your Story Bank to Align Image and Identity

Having four or five go-to stories about your successes, convictions, anecdotes that illustrate your values, leadership style, or your commitment to diversity and multiculturalism is essential to be prepared for any situation.

Though I personally lean more towards Cubism, I like the metaphor of Pointillism: communicating regularly through short stories gradually shifts the image we have of ourselves—and ultimately, the image others have of us. This helps reflect who we truly are—or better yet, the best version of ourselves.

Sharing your stories and structuring them around your convictions or your transformation successes will strengthen your self-confidence. It will also help your audience better understand your talents and discover who you truly are.

And you—what are the first stories you need to build?

#storytelling #success #goals #transformation