Hello Friends,

A year… Almost 365 days since my last post on the website about how you can DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and DELIVER your leadership life stories to help others in your personal and professional life.

NEW YEAR – NEW FOCUS

The intent with this website is to provide insight, tips and tricks that you can use in your life. This past year, my life continues to move faster than ever. The blessings are too many to count and I’m glad to have challenges to wrestle with. One of the big ones this past year is the final touches on the book about leadership and storytelling. One review turned into a re-write which then turned into another review and the final edits. Here is an idea of the cover design:

This has been a tough process. I allowed the revisions to overwhelm me and question whether any of this work is valuable or really “worth it” in the end.

In a simple statement, “Yes.” The work continues to be important and I’m going to step out in faith even if this is just for me or whether the book becomes a best-seller.

So, I wanted to get back into a semi-regular posting here and hopefully start a community around the Power of Stories (Facebook or LinkedIn anyone?) and how these can help you in whatever stage of life you experience. To fulfill this goal, let me clarify the difference between life stories and leadership life stories.

Communication first – Leadership second

Leadership life stories are not simply personal recollections of events but intentional stories that are shaped by the ongoing practice and process of communication. At the heart of communication is faithful listening and speaking.

Leadership life stories are different than ordinary life stories because they are not focused solely on personal achievement. This is a leadership first focus. Leadership life stories are co-created with others in our lives to develop shared meaning. To me, an important distinction that offers a communication first focus. Communication leadership becomes an act of authentic service, inviting others into a process of cultivating purpose, community, and shalom. Yes, leadership life stories are the big moments and grand gestures. Leadership life stories are also the small moments of day to day life that provide new insights and direction. Each conversation, and especially each moment of listening and interacting with others offers a small glimpse of shalom and the possibility of God’s wholeness and reconciliation that we hope for.

Not every life story is a leadership life story. Building on the insights from lead author Boaz Shamir, leadership life stories help individuals construct meaning out of their experiences in ways that inspire, guide, and influence both themselves and their communities. Unlike regular life stories, which can emphasize personal growth or overcoming tough times, leadership life stories are oriented outward, grounded in a process of shared meaning-making. A leader takes the fragments of personal experience and, through faithful communication, interprets them in ways that offer insight, direction, and purpose to others. This process is ongoing and can mirror the process of communication itself, where understanding is continually sought and deepened over time.

Action Step – Reply with YOUR Thoughts

When we frame leadership life stories through an understanding of Servant or Authentic leadership we can engage self-awareness and community. Leadership life stories move beyond just an exciting moment and become a living, ongoing testimony of Jesus’ work in our lives.

Thanks for the continued support and encouragement. As an action step, please reply and let me know what aspect of leadership life stories are most interesting to you. Additionally, please reach out to your friends and families to join the email list below. Thanks!