We all love stories. Humans enjoyed telling stories to each other. A story is a simple narration with a beginning, middle and the end. A proper story should have the beginning and the end tied up with the middle providing the structure to the story. If you look at any of our conversations, they always take the form of a story. We are told stories all through the time we grow up, we tell stories about everyone and everything and we are breathing, living and dying a story. We are the story. Now we need to write one.
We are the story
The center point of the discussion here is how do leaders grasp this very understanding of story telling in making critical decisions. For example, you are faced with a sticky situation at work or in life. The natural tendency is fight or flight. However how many of us have paused and analysed the situation in the narrative of a story. Have we ever tried to ask “What is the story of this situation?” No we do not. We are busy living the story with us trying to tackle the situation rather than taking a step backward and understand the story and then analyse how we can be the scribe or the creator of this story.
We can be the scribe or the creator of this story
I believe every moment that life presents to us is like part of a story that we are presently living in or a new story that is yet to commence. Most of the time we do not or cannot control the outcome of the story. However we can be intentional about our part in it, once we realize or understand that there is a narrative that is taking place.
We understand why the narrative was there in the first place
Being intentional provides us with the right mindset to take charge and explore the fine boundaries of the story – its structure. As we relish that moment with its ups, downs and confrontations, we get to understand why the narrative was there in the first place, why it begun and when it is time to exit. As we exit, we should do it with a sense of purpose to tie it back to the beginning, relieve loose ends and complete the narration.
What are the main takeaways here?
- Every situation in life, is the beginning of, part of or even the end of a narrative that you may know or do not know.
- Seeing scenarios in life as a story gives you a bigger picture view of what is the true meaning, the essence of the situation and provides you with hints on how to be intentional in seeking lasting resolutions.
Tenny Thomas 
Our perception of our Mental. Model includes our body module (our perception of our body parts, their capabilities and position) and Situation Awareness (our perception of where we are, where we have been, and where we will be).
On top of all of this sits our Consciousness (being aware of our awareness).
These are remarkable areas of neuroscience and psychology, that when better understood, improves our chance of survival.
I address all these aspects in my book, FLY! – the Elements of Resilience