Tell me a Story
The phrase “All Business is Show Business” is meant to demonstrate the show biz world as a useful metaphor and at times… model. It is not meant to trivialize any particular endeavour. For example, a person in the medical field may make the point that their work is more important than the fun and games of the theatre. I think they have a point. Their work is certainly more urgent. I have also spoken to financial institutions that were wary at first of the topic, as their work is not trivial. Once we dialogued on the nature of the talk, and the essence of theatre they saw the value of the conversation, and we had a wonderful session.
The essence of using show business, theatre, and art as a metaphor and model for business is found in one word… story telling. We all are telling a story. We all need to improve on our story telling (communication) skills, and support the infrastructure, methods, and processes that enable us to tell our story. Corporations tell thousands of “stories”, and communicate to a diverse field of recipients. From customers, to share holders, to employees, to suppliers… etc. It is vital that this communication, these stories be told in a manner that is consistent, engaging and accurate. Not just factually accurate, but emotionally accurate. For example, if you are asking an employee to work more hours, what story are you telling them to compel cooperation? What story are you telling your shareholders when the stocks are high… or in recent days… low? This is not a sophist manipulation of the facts to “spin” things to what the other party wants to hear. Rather, it is the engagement of people as holistic beings with the need to see the big picture as they participate in the details. Let’s face it… all of us are involved with corporations or businesses because they contribute to our stories. Therein lies the essence of good show business. It is the ability to provide perspective on a situation, and the ability to communicate how to interact with and engage that situation from your particular vantage point.
Tags: communication, Corporate, Corporate Entertainment, Corporate Speaking, Motivation, Motivational Speaking
