Why the Berlin Wall still matters to you..and other stories
In 1989 I was a young reporter for ITN, and I was sent to Berlin 3 days after the Wall came tumbling down. (Very young, honest - I’m not that old!)It's one of the most compelling experiences of my life, and the lessons I learned are still at the centre of everything I do.
Firstly, that if the story changes, everything changes. Whole countries are run on the basis of a well understood narrative. When noone believes it anymore, East German soliders are left patrolling part of a wall unable to shoot, while thousands, feeling free, ignore them.
This is true for you, your firm, your services or product. The story underpins everything you do. Perception is reality.
Secondly, leading through power only lasts so long. If people don't trust you, but they obey because they have to, they're waiting for the chance to break free. And those soldiers, once symbols of that strength, are left powerless.
This applies to you as a leader or employer. Building, sustaining and growing trust is glue that keeps your best people with you.
Does any of this resonate with your situation? If you don't have a compelling, single, well understood narrative, then everyone is pointing in different directions. If you lead through position, not trust, noone will give discretionary effort.
And if you feel powerless with clients, because they behave as tyrants, then this is an inherently unstable situation.
This was just the opening comment in the new podcast, "Highly Relational", in which I was the first guest. Led by Robert Digings, it looks at diffeent perspectives on collaboration and teamwork. It's worth a watch or a listen.
You can find it on Spotify here. Or search Highly Relational on your favourite podcast platform.
Or watch the video below.
And feel free to reach out if you would like to gain clarity and build a more powerful narrative - whether it's with your colleagues, your team, or your clients.
