Why Tension Beats Facts in Leadership Stories

Two leaders I coach want to tell better stories. A no-nonsense type might say, "Just the facts."

Skillful leaders don't just share information. They create experiences.

Stories become compelling when someone struggles to get what they want. You engage with their journey.

Tension is the collision of reality with aspiration.

I thought I was helping my team by answering their questions. Finally, one employee said, "You solve our problems before we have a chance to think." That stung.

For the next month, I forced myself to ask questions before giving answers. The result? Ownership increased. I learned that leadership isn't proving you're smart; it's helping others think.

Every leader relates to the tension of trying to help but causing harm instead.

When you hear the story, you wonder, "Am I doing the same thing?"

Don't begin with the lesson. Set the stage. Add tension.

Tension creates curiosity. Curiosity keeps people listening. The lesson satisfies curiosity.

Project: What can you share from your life that might move people?

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