This is the ‘Win with Stories’ newsletter. Every week I send an email with a message wrapped in a short story. I also share one actionable tip and a few content recommendations to help you enhance your business storytelling skills.
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‘I don’t want to trek any further.’
This was the voice in my head on 14th August. It was a beautiful morning with clear skies, cool breeze and the greenery of Kabbala mountains around me.
My wife and I spent the long weekend at a campsite called ‘Camper’s Creek’, close to Bengaluru.
We are both outdoorsy, or at least would like to believe so.
We decided to take the Bhima-na-kindi trek along with fellow campers, a fun family led by Shree and Lalit.
The trek promised to end at a natural arch formed by rocks. And the delicious breakfast we’d earn after the trek sounded even more promising.
After puffing and panting through an easy trail for 45 minutes, I reached the arch.
Happy with my achievement and some pictures for memory, I was ready to descend the mountain.
That’s when Lalit said, “Let’s try to reach the summit of this mountain.”
In my mind I started cursing him for coming between me and my love for comfort and food.
But the reply I gave was, “Of course, we came together, and we will go back together.”
We explored the mountain for another hour without getting any closer to the summit.
But Lalit, Sree and their kids were enthusiastic as ever.
We climbed rocks, got panoramic views and got to know each other a little better too.
Despite Lalit and his son Malhar’s best attempts we had to return without making it to the summit.
Thankfully, there was breakfast left for us by the time we got back to the camp.
But that morning Lalit made me realise something. That when someone capable and enthusiastic pushes you, it’s a good idea to follow suit.
Because on your own, you stop where the footmarks do. But with great mentors pushing you, you get to see what very few do.
ONE communication tip for today.
Maintain a journal.
That’s my communication tip for today. Sounds strange?
Well, I realised the importance of this experience the next day. I was writing my daily journal after I got home in Mysuru.
In my daily journal, I have four sections. They are:
- How was yesterday?
- Five things I am grateful for
- Schedule for the day
- Storyworthy moments
Over the years, this practice has allowed me spot and then narrate many stories at work and outside of it. Matthew Dicks, author of the book ‘Storyworthy’, suggests a similar practice for everyone.
Reflecting on story worthy moments of your life helps you realise its richness. Narrating these stories helps you build connections, inspire and showcase your experience.
A quick exercise: Think of any story worthy moments from last week or month, and share them with me. You just need to reply to this email.
Anything that made you emotional, taught you or surprised you is story worthy. I will share feedback on where and how you can use those stories. If nothing I will be happy to read them, and to cheer you on.
Ready? I’ll be waiting.
A few things you can read today.
- I was breaking into a cold sweat despite the heat of Cali, Colombia.😦(Linkedin post)
- Each one of my emails was getting rejected 😦(Linkedin post)
- But I survived those first six months in PR(Linkedin post)
- Are young Indians a ‘soft’ generation?(Linkedin post)
- Storytelling for success: Lessons from Airbnb’s journey(blog)
That’s it from me this week. Tell me one thing that will make you share this newsletter with friends and colleagues 🙂
If it’s already share-worthy, then please forward this to your network right away. Let’s all win with stories.
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