You've heard this before...but I am not sure we know how powerful this is!

Two weeks ago I spent several hours in a room full of really sharp leaders...all elite. 

We spent the evening talking about different leadership ideas and principles.

I walked away with one key bit of information that I needed to be reminded of. 

This time it was different

There were three ideas, or principles, that were talked about that struck me in a way that they had not done in the past. 

As I reflected later that night, I asked myself why those three ideas, all of which I knew, had resonated so deeply.

My answer: because they were wrapped in a story. 

They were not merely principles to jot down in my notes but rather principles that engaged my heart. 

The stories took these principles from black and white to color. 

The stories didn't just tell us something, they showed us.

The stories took these principles from vague to clear. 

The stories moved the principles from intellectual to transformational. 

From knowledge gained to inspiration internalized.

From information given to emotions stirred up.

If this is so important, why don't we do this more?

So why don't we tell more stories? Why don't we take the extra time to prepare stories to move information through the intellect into the heart?

I can only speak for myself and the few people I have asked this question to. 

-We forget how powerful stories are.

-We have an inflated view of our ability to disseminate information and make it stick.

-We think we are poor storytellers.

-We are lazy in our preparation.

-We are lazy or forgetful in remembering stories.

-We have sat through meetings in which the leader told meaningless, rambling stories...and we don't want to be that guy/gal.

Do you want to be a better communicator?

A week after this roundtable discussion, I called a buddy of mine who is tight with one of the guys (we will call him Andy) who participated that night.

I asked my buddy "What are Andy's strengths?" The first thing he mentioned was Andy's ability to communicate. 

Jackpot!!!! 

Do you want to be a better communicator? 

Do you want your information to connect, resonate, and be memorable? 

Do you want to not just move the intellect but also move the heart?

Tell stories to drive home your information!

CLICK here to order my book The Leadership Greenhouse

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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.

Article 1- What to look for in people

Article 2- Decrease stress/Increase joy

Podcast: Chris Pollard, Duke Baseball. Winner. Total stud.

Three Ways I Can Help:

1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. Together, we will delve into the depths of your leadership role, helping you gain a profound understanding of yourself and your program. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day to day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State

Training Day - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.

The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.