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Tell Your Story or Have It Told For You

March 4, 2022 Misti Aaronson

tell-your-story-company-narrative
When people don’t have a narrative to latch onto, people will create their own version of the truth.

In a world full of unknowns, stories can help people make sense of what’s happening.

This is no different in the workplace. The stories that leaders and employees share with each other can either align or divide cultures

One of our recent clients had an abrupt leadership change and failed to communicate what happened. Leaders sometimes avoid these types of “announcements” because they fear more attrition and damage to company culture. Without clear communication, change and uncertainty can have a detrimental impact on employees who feel left in the dark.

Creating the narrative for what’s happening can help your people cope with difficult situations and move forward confidently.  

What stories aren’t being shared but need to be shared?

Ask yourself:

  • What stories do your teammates want and need to hear?
  • What does your team need to know that you haven’t communicated yet?
  • What types of stories can create clarity and a sense of belonging for your team?
  • How can you help your team make storytelling their superpower?

Have You Heard of "In-head Localization"?


Recent research from UC San Diego, UCLA, and UC Berkeley suggests that “it is not only what or whom people hear that influences their judgments, decisions, and behaviors, but also how they hear the message.”

So, what happens when people tune in through headphones instead of speakers? 

🎧 Headphone listeners:

  • Perceive the communicator as closer – both physically and socially
  • Feel more connected, engaged, and empathetic
  • Are more easily persuaded

This is the result of a phenomenon called “in-head localization, which makes the speaker sound as if they’re inside your head.”

You may want to encourage your audience to pop in headphones the next time you deliver a presentation.


Forget Workplace Jargon


No one wants to read a lengthy paragraph that’s full of things like “per my last note” and “I understand if you don’t have the capacity, but…”

According to a Slack and OnePoll survey of 2,000 workers, people want more emotive and informal communication.

forget-workplace-jargon

Communicating with emoji and GIFs instead of “corporate speak” has enabled:

👋 66% of respondents to feel more authentic in their workplace

🙌 78% to say it’s also made work feel more flexible, friendly, and inclusive

Informal communication also increases a sense of belonging:

👭 75% say showing their personality through informal work messages has helped them better connect with colleagues even when they’re not in the same office

🏡 While 73% think it has helped them navigate the transition to remote and hybrid work


 

You Need More Than a Burnout Band-Aid

attempt-to-escape-from-pain-creates-more-pain

We kicked off last week’s webinar with a question – how burnout is affecting you and/or your teams?

Responses included everything from a lack of focus and patience to feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

If you can relate, you’re not alone.

Check out the recap blog post to pick up practical advice that you can put into action today.

DIVE IN


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TOPICS: Workplace Innovation, leadership, stories that shift