The Story. Lolly Daskal. A Tweet Chat.

 

So go ahead and join the party (social media). But think of it as just that – a fun place where you give more than you get. But what you get in return are lasting friendships, many which lead to business opportunities.  – David Meerman Scott 

 

Social Media creates opportunities to connect with others like never before. David Meerman Scott likes to think of the Web as a city. For him social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. are the “cocktail parties”.

That’s how Lolly Daskal and I connected March 22; she sent this message through LinkedIn:

Steve,

I was wondering if you would be interested in being a guest on my #leadfromwithin leadership chat.
Let me know.

Thanks
Lolly

The next day we connected by phone and enjoyed a twenty, “New York Minute” call. (Yes, we covered a lot of ground quickly). Our phone call allowed us to connect at a deeper level as we shared our passion for people development and supporting one another to achieve our best.

And with that, Lolly invited me to co-host her significant #leadfromwithin Tweet Chat. I still remember hanging up and wondering “What did I just agree to?”  You see, at that time I was a newbie on Twitter and slow to embrace it.

As Lolly laid out her goal for the one hour Tweet Chat, it captured my heart as an executive coach. Each week she her co-host is to Teach, Inspire, and Empower. When you visit her leadership chat room you’ll see how #leadfromwithin has a heart-centered, inside/out theme associated with personal growth and leadership – the people.

The moment arrived Tuesday, May 17.  My theme – Your Story: Listen. Learn. Lead. 

Here are the 10 questions tweeted during the hour. Yes, there were a lot of great thoughts, but for now, here are mine.

 Q1: What is the power of “story”?

A1: Story allows objectivity and context so we can see what we missed in real time

A1: Story gives us freedom to edit, but not re-write

A1: Story invites us to engage the process of change & personal development          

Q2: What happens when we pay attention to our story? 

A2: We become more receptive to feedback, experience, success & failure found in the Story

A2: We can escape deception, whether self-imposed or coming from others 

Q3: What are the benefits of embracing our story?

 A3: Embracing our story can free us from hiding; now, the past is just part of the story, not who I am

A3: Embracing our story can free us from what holds us back as we seek transformation         

Q4: Why do we resist our story? 

A4: It can be passive resistance since it takes time to reflect; we must create space for consistent reflection

A4: Fear…what might I hear or see or have to “deal with” IF I give careful thought to my story?

A4: To avoid personal responsibility; we’re stuck blaming, complaining, living w/victim mentality or a critical spirit 

Q5: How does listening to our story accelerate personal growth?             

Q5: We must slow down to speed up the process of development

Q5: Growth comes when we connect our ability and willingness to learn and change to our story

Q5: By paying attention…noticing is usually the first step to learning 

Q6: How does story guide our future? 

 A6: When we’re listening, Story will show us how a different response will move us in the right direction

A6: With freedom comes the ability to act without fear; to embrace my story means I CAN write a new chapter, my future 

Q7: How do we use story telling in leadership?

A7: Leaders persuade; facts tell, stories sell

A7: Leaders understand the place of story in leading, guiding, and influencing people

A7: Leaders pay attention to the organization’s story and keep telling it           

Q8: How do we engage story to develop leaders?

 A8: Development reaches outside oneself to help another change, become stronger, or more successful

A8: By example: Listen. Learn. Lead. It really is your story, my story, OUR story

Q9: What happens when you know someone’s story?          

A9: We will begin to SEE the people, not just the problem

A9: We extend grace: everyone has a story

A9: We can begin to appreciate who they are and maybe why they show up ‘that way’

Q10: What have you learned from your own story?

A10: I am responsible, grace is available, and God is faithful; the business of life is people…we need each other.

If you enjoyed this story behind Your Story: Listen. Learn. Lead. you can read my post here.

For me, this story is the story behind social media.

A connection is made.  

The connection is deepened and cultivated by time over the phone and in person. When we listen to and learn from the Story (yes, listen to and learn from others) we will lead better lives. 

Lolly, accept my gratitude for our new connection. Yes, for the privilege of being a part of your #leadfromwithin community of reflective, caring people. 

Now, when will you slip in the back of the room? 

When? Any Tuesday, 8:00 pm Eastern; www.tweetchat.com enter #leadfromwithin or visit Lolly Daskal. 

Guess what? You may find a party “…a fun place where you give more than you get. But what you get in return are lasting friendships.”

What if?

Please share your comments below.