What's your story?

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Stories are powerful when used correctly in meetings. Not just any story though. Stories should have certain characteriestics. Professor Stew Friedman of Wharton's Leadership Program says that the use of stories can provide valuable leadership lessons and opportunities. Here's his advice:

A good leadership story has the power to engage hearts and minds. It has these six crucial elements:

  1. Draws on your real past and lessons you've learned from it.
  2. Resonates emotionally with your audience because it's relevant to them.
  3. Inspires your audience because it's fueled by your passion.
  4. Shows the struggle between your goal and the obstacles you faced in pursuing it.
  5. Illustrates with a vivid example.
  6. Teaches an important lesson.

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