“We are unique because we tell stories — and live by the stories we tell.”
George Gerbner
Each of has a story about our aspirations and our talents. Most of us have some story about how we have applied and enjoyed our talents. Maybe, it was learning a musical instrument in grade school, developing key skills for a trade or profession, or leading a community organization. A few people have seemingly magical stories about heroically overcoming obstacles and achieving great results.
Even if we are the top of our profession, however, there’s often a hitch or snag in our story—something that is holding us back now from even greater fulfillment. It sounds like this: “I would like to [aspiration], but [obstacles, limitations, challenges] are in my way and I can’t get past them.” In fact, we often become attached to our stories and become vindicated by them. They explain why we haven’t progressed as much as we’d like and get us off the hook for not gaining results.
Are you stuck in a limiting story?
Here are some real-life examples.
Margaret—I want to be a supervisor, but all of the openings require experience in managing others. It’s a big “Catch 22.” I guess I just need to make do with where I am.
Kevin—I want to take the company that I’ve built to the next level and enjoy my work again, but I’m bogged down in a myriad of details. I want to escape (and often do) to outside activities and new sources of stimulation. Meanwhile, the company stagnates and employees are nervous about our future.
Sheila—I’ve got a great idea for dramatically improving how our company implements teamwork and gets results. Top management is so conservative, however, that I don’t think anyone even wants to hear about it. It frustrates me because I want to grow professionally and have us get better results together. Do I have to look for another job?
Jim—I have much more that I could contribute to the organization, but rising higher in the leadership would compromise time with my family and require me to be too political. I’ll keep my head down and continue plugging away at my current role. I guess it’s better to be a little bored.
Each of these stories is true, and the obstacles that the people mention are real. But, the conclusions are only inevitable if they allow themselves to be victims of their circumstances.
Do you notice the sense of resignation imbedded in their stories? Do you see how some have sought diversions elsewhere because they don’t see a path to what they really want?
Their stories beg the question: “Is that how you want your story to end? Or, do you want your story to have new chapters filled with new opportunities and success in pursuing them?”
What’s your story like? Is there a hope unfulfilled, a thirst unquenched for you? Is your story stuck? Would you like some fresh and exciting chapters in your story? By looking at use of your talent as a story, you’ll gain some detachment and perspective to think about it differently and formulate new ways to write and live the next chapters of your life.
Or, maybe you know people in your organization, community, or family who’ve become stuck or stale and need refreshment. Are you hearing stories from them that you’d wish would change for their benefit and yours? Would you like to help them enjoy a better future?
The Wellsprings of Talent program unleashes your power to be the creator of your story rather than a victim of its limitations. It’s about how you can use your talents to change your story now and for good. If you are less than fully satisfied with your life at work you might try finding a new job; or you might try telling a new story. The Talent Catalyst Conversation is actually an opportunity to tell a new story about yourself; and then begin to live by that story.
