How you tell them will. By Sarah Elkins
I loved this book. I have all my clients tell me stories about accomplishments, things they are proud of, their most difficult situation they had to deal with, how they can “prove” any important skills or passions they have. Sarah presents the “why’s” and the “how to’s” that people need to embrace this idea.
There is a section in the back of the book where you can begin to gather your own stories based on her different chapters and examples she gives in each chapter to make her points. Her examples help give people ideas on what their own stories could be.
Stories can be used to help individuals change their mindset to move forward in a more positive way, they can be used in interviews, and in expanding / building your network.
Because our brains are wired to hear stories, we tend to ‘hear’ the lessons or themes when others tell us a good story. But it has to be told the right way. I use the model SAR. Explain to me the SITUATION clearly, then your ACTION STEPs you took, and the RESULTS. Although she does not use this acronym, her model is very similar. Stories must be told in a way that the listener can understand what happened and why they are telling it.
If you are a career coach and do not use stories in your coaching practice, read this book. You will use stories after you read it.
Great book. Highly recommend it for coaches and clients alike.
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