How Authenticity Transformed an Organization
If you were given 5 minutes to tell your story and make a lasting connection with an audience of one, ten, or two hundred, could you do it?
If you were given 5 minutes to tell your story and make a lasting connection with your audience of one, ten, or two hundred could you do it?
Recently, the Executive Director of a non-profit came to me with a challenge. Their organization had entered an annual grant competition with a significant six figure prize. Last year, they faced stiff competition and missed winning the award. In 2020, with the populations served facing even more urgent need, her team did not want to lose again.
An initially large group of applicants was reduced to four worthy and well-established non-profit organizations. The grant organization, comprised of 160 female philanthropists, required each of the four finalists to create a live, 5-minute presentation that answered and addressed five key questions about their current operations, as well as how this monetary award would deepen and broaden impact in the communities they serve. Each organization would present one after the other, to a packed room of investors, participants and supporters. At the end of all presentations, the grantors would vote, and a winner would be announced.
Each of the finalists was doing impactful and meaningful work, and deserving of the grant money. But it was clear to me that whoever told the best story was more likely to win.
I was emailed a 15-minute presentation. The presentation began with a polite introduction, an abundance of data, too many anecdotal examples of current business practices, a murky answer to what differentiated their organization, and why they should be awarded the grant.
They had checked all the boxes, but this was not a memorable, impactful, or winning presentation.
Working very closely with the Executive Director of the organization, we dug into their message, incorporating tools of skilled actors, playwrights and storytellers.
Urgent need and high stakes require a deep, personal investment and make for more engaging stories and lasting connection with an audience
Creating a sticky moment right from the beginning embeds itself in your audience’s mind, so your audience wants to learn more
Be Authentic-giving yourself permission to be vulnerable builds connection
As the leader of the non-profit, my client had discounted her own emotional journey that answered the question of why she leads this organization. When she shared a relevant story that helped us convey why the organization is so vital and why the investors should choose their company, we knew we had the sticky moment that would engage the audience.
Next, we crafted the body of the story, laying out the strategy and approach with proven storytelling and playwrighting technique:
Always keep your story moving forward/recognize when you are going off the rails
Never say something in 3 lines that can be said with one line/ each line is there for a reason
Leap into your text and look for wording that may feel disconnected from your authentic way of speaking or unfamiliar to your audience
We began this section of the story by laying out how and why the current way of addressing the problem wasn’t working. Then, we sifted through and highlighted supporting data. Lastly, we wrapped up with clear evidence of how this six-figure award would be transformative for their organization and the people they serve. We rehearsed and timed the presentation until we were 30 seconds under the time limit (always end your presentation, never have someone stop you.)
The CEO and the organization won the grant.
I’ve learned that it takes a deep dive into why, why, why for clarity to emerge. If the CEO had discounted her experience, she may have missed a once in a year opportunity. Often, the one thing people are most afraid to risk sharing, is the one thing that could connect most deeply with an audience. It often takes an objective, but trusted, eye to give you the nudge to take a risk.
That authentic story, or sticky moment, might be silly or profound or somewhere in between. Once you identify and communicate that moment, you engage with your audience in the first 30 seconds of a presentation. Utilizing proven storytelling techniques keeps a presenter on message and creates deeper clarity for audience members. Ultimately, never discount the power of presence and authenticity in connecting with an audience, or in transforming your business.
My client was unafraid to share her vulnerability, and the audience felt her and ultimately believed in her.
Our time is more valuable than ever. Whether you engage live or virtually it’s essential to create clear, succinct and meaningful interactions with clients and colleagues.
If you are looking to improve clarity in your business story, speak with greater confidence, drive alignment with your strategic vision, or deepen employee engagement, you must be clear, connected and memorable.
Center Stage Connections can help you meet your goals for more impactful connections.
I’m happy to chat: julie@centerstageconnections.com
https://www.centerstageconnections.com
#authenticity
Over the past month, with all the virtual #WFH meetings happening, I've witnessed a lot of authentic moments. Those moments have served to cut through the tension and stress and offer a moment of connection. So when you're struggling with putting that virtual meeting together, it's good to know that most of us have learned to be a bit more forgiving. And it's those authentic moments that keep us connected, especially when we can't be in the same room together..
Winning the Covid-19 Grocery Games
On any other day, I might have thought a game of Red Light Green Light had spontaneously broken out in the Trader Joe’s parking lot.
But today was no ordinary Sunday. And no one had played this game before.
Where I live in New Jersey, we were just beginning Week 4 of COVID-19 physical distancing. The line of customers waiting to get into Trader Joes snaked around the ample parking lot and up a small hill to an expansive upper lot. I learned later that a neighbor or two had driven by, saw the winding line, and kept driving. It looked like a very long wait, and it was well past noon.
I too thought twice about whether to stay or go. Last night was the fifth night in a row, when I sat, staring at my laptop, after midnight. My virtual, family of five, shopping cart was full and ready to be scheduled for delivery. The tiny shopping cart icon awaited me at the sites of multiple big box suppliers and smaller local grocers. Surely, I would get a spot at one?
Five nights. A total online shut out.
So today, I donned my homemade bandana mask, protective gloves (a fortuitous purchase from a month ago when our house was hit with a stomach bug) & positive attitude, and took my place with list in hand, at the end of the line.
I sighed. Let’s get this done.
All comers in the line demonstrated an abundant respect for the 6 feet rule some even adding an additional 4 feet or so. Each of us knew what was at stake. And none of us wanted to be here.
It was less than five minutes, when I spotted a TJ’s employee, maintaining an appropriate distance, meandering along the line. She started her slow walk at the store entrance and eventually made her way to the end of the line. With her relaxed gait, arms swaying loosely at her sides, and gentle grin, she paused occasionally and answered questions from customers.
As she approached my section of the line, she informed us in a soothing, friendly, reassuring voice that it would be “about a 40-45 minute wait to get into the store.”
One person in front of me threw his hands in the air and stomped away. Green light for me. I walked forward a few steps.
I waited and walked. Walked and waited. Some strangers struck up a conversation. Some remained quiet, earbuds inserted. Twins, in their home from college hoodies, held their place in line with a conditioning workout. Varied demonstrations of coping with frayed nerves, challenging circumstances and an uncertain future. Heavy thoughts. But we all needed to eat.
After about 40 minutes, I made it to the store entrance. Another employee, in cloth mask, calmly and graciously offered a dispenser holding sanitizing wipes, “if you’d like one, please help yourself.”
Once inside, due to the careful orchestration of human traffic flow, I found plenty of physical space. Placed along aisles, signage requested that we all limit ourselves to “no more than 2 of any item. And 1 full shopping cart.” I appreciated the simplicity and clarity. A handful of employees floated around the store asking, in a warm tone of voice, “finding what you need?”
Shelves were fairly well stocked with only a few essentials depleted. Next week, I would need to come in the morning.
When it came time to check out, neon yellow tape marked where to stand, at every other register. Another employee directed me to an open lane.
Usually chatty cashiers seemed to take their cues from their customers on how much conversation they wanted to engage in--we all just wanted to get this over with.
I bagged my groceries, swiped my card and exited with a final “thank you and take care,” from another TJ’s employee standing outside.
As I loaded my car, I breathed a sigh of relief. Trader Joe’s had checked all the boxes for me. Under these unprecedented and highly stressful circumstances, management and employees put a system in place that created a memorable experience. A vendor connected with its’ audience.
Trader Joe’s accomplished what any presenter making a competitive sales pitch knows to be true. In order to differentiate yourself from your competition, you can’t just tell your client you understand what they need. Or say #WeAreAllInThisTogether. You have to show them. Through empathy, careful thought and purposeful action.
I was done with my shopping trip, but I will be back in a week or two to play again.
The game I played today was Empathy Always Wins.
Julie Campbell is the founder of Center Stage Connections
If you would like to have a conversation on how I can help you tell an impactful business story and connect with your live or virtual audience, email me at julie@centerstageconnections.com.
Listen Much?
As we all navigate this new remote lifestyle, which likely includes more conference calls, make the active choice to be more engaged by listening as if:
-You are willing to have your mind changed
-You expect each person on the call to know at least one thing that you don't
Choosing to be more engaged leads to more #connections, even remotely! #call #listening #remote