By Ignite Excellence

I recently had the good fortune of listening to Suzanne Stevens, president and founder of Ignite Excellence, deliver a keynote speech as part of the speaking series put on by the International Association of Business Communicators (www.iabc.com). In “Swimming with the Influencers”, she asked us to recall the August 14, 2003, blackout that affected Toronto. (As she was speaking in Toronto, the Toronto-centricism was appropriate.)

If you were in the city, you undoubtedly have a Blackout Story:

“It was amazing! The whole neighbourhood wheeled barbecues out onto the street. People were cooking, talking and laughing. Many were meeting neighbours for the first time.”

OR

“We walked around from dusk until it got dark. I never felt unsafe. I have never seen so many people smiling!”

OR

“<<insert yours here>>”

If you have been reading Ignite Excellence’s submission to the Council’s e-newsletter, you will know that we are expecting you to ask “So what?”

Go ahead…What’s that? “So what,” you say? Oh, thanks for asking.

There are a couple of so-whats: (1) Relationships are human, and (2) Stories help influence.

Relationships are Human
The point of the Blackout Story – and Ignite Excellence Inc.’s raison d’être – is that when people communicate, they can’t ignore the relationship with those around them (physically and, increasingly, virtually). Relationship and trust are things that will guide people when they “fill in the gaps” after you have presented your argument or message.

A relationship that fosters dialogue provides a foundation for an effective exchange of ideas. It is very difficult to develop a relationship without talking to someone (voice-to-voice or face-to-face). Electronic communications (e-mail, text, chat, for example) provide few ways to develop a relationship and countless opportunities to compromise it. Technology enables communication. Communication needs human interaction. Technology is not human and, therefore, requires relationship for context.

The relevance to change agents working in a supply chain context: all the “productivity” gains of the Blackberry, et al, will be offset by damaged relationships that hinder the positive results of effective communication!

Stories Help Influence
Notice how the article is structured so far. You see a STORY. We get to the POINT. You see, I hope, the RELEVANCE. This is the recipe for using personal stories to convey messages. These types of stories can foster relationships by giving personal insight. They also provide some tangible evidence that can support the message or position that you are furthering.

Whether it is a blackout story or a shared anecdote from a challenge/success in a previous position or situation, a story serves to strengthen messages and relationships.

Did I tell you about the time…?