The value of stories
“Efficiency is the enemy.” Ryan Holliday in Ego is the Enemy
The drive for efficiency causes you to miss the story. And, behind every mask is a story, a journey, a lesson, an opportunity for encouragement or be encouraged.
In three brief stories yesterday, I was inspired, motivated, moved.
I bumped into a friend that told me about “Affordable Christmas.” His church receives donations of toys and then hosts a shopping spree for families in need that purchase the goods for $1 to $4. The money received goes back into the budget for next year’s event. They are offering Christmas to 120 families this year and have over 100 additional families on the on the waiting list. Alongside this event, they have started a plan, building affordable housing on the property of the church for those in need. They are hyper-focused on caring for the needy in the ocmmunity.
Immediately after that conversation, a friend shared some things going on in a small group he was part of each week. He spoke of a transparent group of people, removing the masks of life that they wear every daynand talking about their personal journeys. The group was being knitted together by sharing the realities of life. Few have this opportunity.
A bit later, I talked to the CEO of a thriving company. We have connected a bit over the years and now know some details about each other’s families. He updated me on some hard things going on with his family, and I returned with things happening in my life. The reason for the call was business, but, as we were talking, I realized the greater reason was life. The relationship was much more meaningful than business.
Life is to be lived in the depths of relationships, but, it is easy to live in the shallows of the weather and work. Nothing creates more momentum in your life, in your job, in your family, with your children, than learning the stories of their day, their life, their current situation. The risk is driving to efficiency, trying to maintain that busy schedule.
Today, toss the discussion of the weather out the window. Learn the story of the person on the other side of the table (or the screen). Your life will be impacted, and you will impact others.
And, I bet your business will gain momentum. The strongest businesses have relationships that create unity at the foundation. Some call that culture.
Impact others. Live generously.