Historian Yuval Noah Harari argues that the only reason humans dominated over all other life forms in our planet is because of our capacity to tell stories. It allowed us to form groups and work towards targets that are not visible in front of us where other animals had to depend on instincts and feelings alone. This is why there is revolutions among humans but not among bees who want to overthrow the queen bee.
Over time, this storytelling has become part of our nature. The same way we crave emotional connection even if it provide little survival necessity in an individualistic society today, we crave to be a part of a bigger story all the time.
Here comes in all the talk about finding a purpose and need to constantly feel as if everything has to lead to something. Here is where all the great motivators, leaders, and even companies come in, showing how to achieve meaning through the work they prescribe. In the end it all boils down to telling a good story through your work.
Even if you are not planning on starting a cult any time soon, it helps to keep in mind this mantra when working with a team. Tell your team members what to do, maybe how to do it, but be sure to mention why. Here's a quick tip: ask yourself 'why' twice before giving the instruction and put the two answers in there when you deliver your message. This adds clarity in the work that helps them navigate a lot of unpredictabile barriers in their path.
Here's a quick tip: ask yourself 'why' twice before giving the instruction and put the two answers in there when you deliver your message.
This is why the author Simon Sinek wrote a whole book titled 'Start With Why'. We all want be part of a story arc, large or small, let your team members tell their story with their work and let the magic happen.
cover art by Author: Chronicle in Dhaka.
Reference:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/delegation-give-them-stories-finish-just-tasks-complete-radi-shafiq?trk=v-feed&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BG%2FDgeOXDUX1FQOZflT%2F8lQ%3D%3D
