Unlock Your Leadership Story E-Book

Pat Wadors

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 227

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Explore the ability of stories to enhance human connection, motivate action, and uncover hidden potential

In Unlock Your Leadership Story: How to Build Understanding and Motivate Teams Using Fables and Folktales, renowned international speaker and human resources thought leader Pat Wadors delivers a powerful discussion of the lessons we can draw from some of the most well-known stories in the world. In each chapter, she introduces a different fable or folktale and reflects on the “moral of the story” and how we can apply it to help us meet contemporary challenges at work and in life.

You'll discover the power of storytelling as you inspire, motivate, and drive positive change in yourself and the people around you. You'll also:

• Explore new interpretations of old stories that shed fresh light on self-discovery and growth
• Find out about the neuroscience behind the emotions and actions elicited by stories
• Discover modern leadership lessons from historic fables and folktales you can apply to your own journey--at work and beyond

Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned executive, this multigenerational book will meet you on your path as a perfect guide for all levels. Unlock Your Leadership Story is also a can't-miss resource for project and team leaders, human resources professionals, sales leaders, and anyone else responsible for helping others live up to their full potential.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

The Two Nudges

Confident and Now Courageous

Your Invitation to Embrace the Challenges Ahead

Chapter 1: Stories Unlock Your Superpowers

The Power of Storytelling

We Are Pulled Toward Stories

Stories Facilitate Belonging

The Brain Science Behind the Story

The Evolution of Storytelling

In Summary: Embracing Your Stories

Note

Chapter 2: The Elephant and the Blind Men: Evolving Your Perspective

Perspective Is Everything

In Summary: Striving to See the Whole Elephant

Chapter 3: Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Finding the Right Fit

My Goldilocks Story

Lessons Learned from Goldilocks

Finding Your “Just Right” Fit: The Goldilocks Framework

Career Development Lessons from Goldilocks

Leading Others: Lessons from Goldilocks

In Summary: Finding Your Just Right Fit

Chapter 4: The Three Little Pigs: Tapping into the Power of Goals

It’s All About Setting Goals

Overcoming Challenges

The Pursuit of Goals Has Its Own Reward

Big Goals Come with Challenges and Self-Doubt

In Summary: Setting Flexible Goals

Chapter 5: The Tortoise and the Hare: Embracing Your Personal Scorecard

Why a Personal Scorecard?

Ignite Your Inner Fire: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

Discovering Me Took Time

The Moral of the Tortoise’s Scorecard

In Summary: It’s Your Scorecard

Now, LET’S ROLL!

Note

Chapter 6: The Emperor’s New Clothes: Understanding Your Leadership Shadow

Giving and Getting Feedback Is Hard

Your Leadership Shadow

Having the Courage to Speak Up

In Summary: Being Aware of Your Shadow

Chapter 7: The Crow and the Pitcher: Unlocking the Creativity of Constraints

The Influence of Constraints

A Breakdown of Constraints

The Process: Applying Creative Constraints at Work

Example: The Real Constraints of COVID-19

Addressing False Constraint Narratives

The Power of

Yet

—Unlocking Constraints

In Summary: Facing Your Constraints

Chapter 8: The Frog in Boiling Water: Living a Values-Led Life

Tapping into Values to Avoid the Boiling Water

Building a Healthy Culture

Quick Takeaways: Moral Lessons

In Summary: Knowing When to Leap

Chapter 9: Mulan: Pursuing Authenticity

Fifteen Hundred Years of Mulan!

When and Why Do We Cover Part of Ourselves?

What Is Psychological Safety Anyway?

The World Needs Diversity—It Needs YOU

In Summary: Embracing Your Leadership Competencies

What’s Next: A Note from Pat on Taking Action

Note

Working Guide: Tools and Tips to Map Your Journey

Embarking on Your Leadership Quest: Unlock Your Story!

Breaking Through What Holds You Back

Identifying Your Trust/Accountability Partners

Unlocking Your Potential: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Growth

Values

Motivators

Superpowers (Your Unique Strengths and Skills)

Bringing Goldilocks to Life: A Sample Framework/Template

The What

The How

Holding Yourself Accountable and Reviewing Your Personal Scorecard

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Index

End User License Agreement

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Begin Reading

Working Guide: Tools and Tips to Map Your Journey

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Index

End User License Agreement

Pages

iii

iv

v

ix

x

xi

xii

xiii

xiv

xv

xvi

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

69

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

91

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

133

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

149

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

161

162

163

164

165

166

167

169

170

171

172

173

174

175

176

177

178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

189

190

191

193

194

195

196

197

198

199

200

201

202

203

204

205

206

207

UNLOCK YOUR LEADERSHIP STORY

How to Build Understanding and Motivate Teams Using Fables and Folktales

PAT WADORS

Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, [phone], fax [phone], or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.

Trademarks: Wiley and the Wiley logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at [phone], outside the United States at [phone] or fax [phone].

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic formats. For more information about Wiley products, visit our web site at www.wiley.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available:

ISBN: 9781394264469 (cloth)ISBN: 9781394264476 (ePub)ISBN: 9781394264483 (ePDF)

COVER DESIGN: PAUL MCCARTHYCOVER ART: © GETTY IMAGES | JOHN LUNDAUTHOR PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR

I dedicate this book to my family. To my husband, Dave, for teaching me to dream bigger and believing in me every step of the way. To my amazing kids, Ben, Eddie, and Katie, and our growing family: Nicole, Lauren, Everly and Emmett. Your love and encouragement mean everything.

Prologue

I’m so excited that you are reading or listening to this book! The audience—you—are why this book came to be. I didn’t want to write about my profession or about a company. Instead, I wanted to serve you and support you on your life’s path. Who couldn’t use a helping hand? In fact, if I can help one person discover their superpowers, build confidence, and be inspired to strive to live their best life—then I have fulfilled my purpose. To achieve that purpose and to unlock your potential, I will share wisdom, tips and insights gained throughout my personal journey—both the highs and lows. But the magic—and lessons—truly come together through the insights from fables and folktales. The moral lessons of these stories are incredible—standing the test of time. They are a quick reminder to me, and now hopefully you, to live life to its fullest.

I’m also thrilled to write. Who knew? When I was approached by the publisher, I wasn’t quite sure about writing a book, how I would fit that work into my schedule, and if the book I did want to write would be of value. It’s not that I don’t love to tell a good story, because I do, but writing a book seemed out of reach. Both the idea of sharing something that is personal so publicly and having the grit to write a whole book that others found of value was a bit overwhelming to even contemplate.

Once decided, I jumped into this adventure. I didn’t realize how much fun this project was going to be until I started. It flowed. The stories made me laugh and some made me cry. They came easily and with such clarity. When asked why it was flowing, the only answer I had was that this book has been in development for decades, because I have been living these stories, learning the lessons, and sharing them along the way.

Finding My Courage to Write

I am both introverted and dyslexic. I also have a bit of imposter syndrome. Self-doubt sits on my shoulder—we are close friends. (Although I have learned how to brush it off my shoulder from time to time!) The combination of these traits strikes me as I sit down this morning and write this book, especially because my dyslexia worsens when I get anxious, like a stutter. And believe me, I’m anxious (and excited!). Without this spell check, half of my words would be misspelled by now!

But because you are reading this book, that “out-of-reach” goal is now real. I just had to change the story in my head, get that imposter off my shoulder, and find my courage, or rather remind myself of my purpose. And let’s not forget a few wonderful nudges along the way moved things along faster than I anticipated.

The Two Nudges

I guess I needed a lot of encouragement!

August 27, 2014—Nudge 1

Once upon a time, when I was the head of human resources at LinkedIn back in early August 2014, I was participating in a leadership offsite with our top 200 global leaders. This was a two-day event packed full of social networking, presentations, training, and facilitation. Everyone was grouped in tables of eight coworkers—many we just met that week. Basically, it was an event that would exhaust me and every other introvert if we didn’t carefully watch our energy.

I was “managing” my energy carefully throughout the day. I found myself once more standing in the back of the room while someone else held the audience’s attention on a key topic. My chair toward the front was empty. Near me were my fellow introverts, leaning back against the wall or near the door. We gave each other the nod, basically saying, “I see you and I understand! Save your energy. You will have to talk soon.”

While I was standing in the back of the room, one of our leaders, Steve Johnson, walked up to me and asked me why I was not in the front of the room taking more of a leadership role at that moment. I informed Steve that I was an introvert and took this moment as a break—to not be “on”—and to build up my energy for the hours ahead. He was surprised. He didn’t see me as an introvert. I explained that he primarily sees me when I am “giving my energy” to the employees or to our customers. When I can take a step back and breathe, I take it! Being a leader demands that I be heard and visible, while also navigating the use of my energy so I do not get exhausted.

Steve is extroverted and led our user experience design team. He was so good at networking and bringing energy all the time! In our brief conversation, he asked me to speak to his team as he believed 30–40% of them were in fact introverts. He was curious if I had tips or tricks to help engage fellow introverts. Steve was unclear about how to best lead them and to coach them in their careers. Then he quickly pivoted and stated that I MUST WRITE about my experiences—in fact, publish a LinkedIn blog post. He wanted me to share that you can be a successful leader as an introvert. Immediately, I said no. I was happy to chat with the team, but not willing to write about it.

I had never written anything publicly to date. Nothing.

The very idea of writing something and sharing it with the world to be available for judging or grading made me anxious and afraid. I repeated my answer—NO—but that I would be more than willing to chat with the team. However, Steve did not let up because he believed that others would benefit from my journey.

Each day for the next five days Steve “nudged” me; even texting me on the weekend. Finally, on Sunday, I sat down and wrote my story. I wrote it the way it flowed through my head. I wasn’t an expert on introversion versus extroversion. But I did have my lived experiences. I wasn’t sure that what worked for me would work for others. But just maybe it could. If that happened, then I would be manifesting my purpose:

I need to leave the world better than I found it. To be kind. To give more than I get. To make a difference.

—My purpose statement written on a whiteboard

Reminding myself “to give more than I get” changed my mind. I thought that if I shared my experiences, it just might help someone else navigate their path in a better way and give them courage to achieve their goals in life. It was that belief that gave me courage to write.

That Sunday afternoon I completed my first long post. I read my article several times, but I just couldn’t push the publish button. I was scared. The “imposter” sat stubbornly on my shoulder once again. There was no way to push her off! The next day I reread my article, striving to find the confidence to post, and then I reminded myself that it is not about me but more about helping others.

Finally, I shared my article with someone on my team. They found value. That was enough of a push. My article was published on Monday morning, August 27, 2014. Due to nerves, my hand was shaking when I pressed publish. After that moment, I called Steve and informed him of the post. He was happy—I was scared. Now what?

What I didn’t realize, or even dream was possible—was that my life and therefore my personal story would be changed from that single act. I just didn’t know how fast.

October 23, 2014—Nudge 2

Fast forward only two months later, when I was kicking off LinkedIn’s annual Talent Connect conference. An amazing memory moment, when the vibrant lights, new smells, and energizing sounds can still be brought into clarity in my mind. That day I was asked to introduce Arianna Huffington on stage at our conference. Approximately 8,000 attendees were waiting to hear Arianna talk about her journey to health, embracing sleep, and combating burnout. I was a major fangirl and loved the way she told stories.

In preparation for Arianna’s introduction, I was expected to meet her for the first time in the green room a few minutes before our segment. (The green room is where we had our VIP speakers get ready for their presentations.) When that time came, I remember being led through this dark passage behind the stage by one of the stage managers carrying a flashlight. The sound technicians were getting ready for the next speaker, running their tests. No one paid me any attention. I finally entered the green room, my smile a mile wide. In my head I was wondering how best to introduce myself and express my excitement for this moment. Then something unexpected happened.

Arianna turned around when I entered. She looked me in my eyes, reached for my hand, and said:

“Pat, it is a pleasure to meet you. I love your work! My daughter is also an introvert, and we loved your post. Please continue writing. You made a difference. Thank you for sharing your story.”

I don’t think I said anything right away. I was too busy talking to myself in my head.

Wow! She knew me? She read my post? Is she sure it was me? Her daughter read it and found value in it? It mattered!!

I was blown away. I must have mumbled something, but I could not tell you what I said. She asked if I knew Susan Cain, the author of Quiet. Of course, I saw Susan’s TED Talk and had read her book! Arianna insisted that we should meet. She felt our stories together would be wonderful. After the conference, she immediately introduced Susan to me. Susan and I got to know each other and collaborated, further helping me on my journey to better leverage my introverted superpowers. But that’s another story for another time.

Confident and Now Courageous

I was committed from that point forward to sharing my stories. To seek to learn, to share, and to elevate others. To be vulnerable. The imposter sitting on my shoulder still visits but is easier to knock off. This book—about 10 years later—is a manifestation of that belief in self that was sparked by that first LinkedIn article and inflamed with Arianna’s supporting comments.

Thank you, Steve, for pushing me! Thank you, Arianna, for your encouragement. My life and my ability to pursue my personal purpose is better because of you and those “micro moments” of encouragement.

Your Invitation to Embrace the Challenges Ahead

Now, back to this book you are reading. My hope is to encourage you as the author of your destiny to intentionally design your future self and manifest the desired moral of your story. Together, we will explore the power of storytelling throughout human history and share stories that hopefully shape your understanding of the world and yourself.

You have choices coming your way, and you may be wondering: what’s next in this book? What fables are coming, and why? In the pages ahead, I assist you in your quest to craft your personal leadership story. Your reading journey will start with these elements:

The magic and power of storytelling with key insights in Chapter 1. The magical impact of storytelling in our brains helps unlock what is within you. Simplicity and clear moral lessons are why I love fables and folktales as a key tool to coaching!

Next, you will dive into four different chapters that help you define the magic elements of your quest, determining your desired destination. You will touch an elephant to gain perspective, chat with Goldilocks to find just the right fit, and engage with the three little pigs as they brave the wolf and set their goals—to name a few.

After that, you will meet the emperor, the crow, a frog, and finally Mulan. One of these stories has been around for 1,600 years! They are your wizened guides to assist you in your quest. Because what is a quest without challenges and a merry group of travelers to assist you? Each guide offers insights and wisdom to help you achieve your goals.

And finally, at the end, you will find your guided journal to begin your journey. To design your quest. The story of YOU.

Please continue with me on this adventure. You may want to skip around and find your own path, but be aware that each chapter builds on the prior one. Each chapter shares a moral lesson or two. The fables, personal stories, and tools shared in this book were created to inspire, motivate, and drive positive change for you and those around you. To unlock your leadership story!

I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Let’s go!

Chapter 1Stories Unlock Your Superpowers

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bedtime stories told to me by my dad, dinner table storytelling with friends and family, family gatherings at holidays with everyone talking at once updating everyone on their latest adventures, Nancy Drew mystery books read at the Jersey Shore, and Sunday night Disney movies. These are my cherished memories. I might not remember every part of those stories, but I remembered how they made me feel.

I am the youngest of eight children from an Irish Catholic family—growing up listening to stories. Stories that made me laugh and some that made me cry. I learned a lot about my family’s history, learned not to be afraid of thunder and lightning, why telling the truth was important, and the value of hard work—all through stories. Each story shared by parents, siblings, and grandparents resonated with each of my siblings differently—each one of us taking away a different lesson or, rather, the “moral of the story.” That is normal. You interpret what you hear based on your own experiences, challenges, and desires.

Although I loved the Nancy Drew Mystery series, I fell in love with a good dramatic story thanks to Nanny, my grandmother. My grandmother was an amazing storyteller. Nanny traveled the world, had wonderful adventures (many I’m sure she exaggerated), was married several times (one husband was an Antarctic explorer in 1933!), and had a single child—my mom. Nanny stayed with us often. I loved her. We all did.

She was magical. Nanny would light up a room when she began to share stories of the family, her travels, her mishaps, and memories of our childhood that we loved listening to—especially at bedtime when we wanted to stay up late! She told stories with humor, humility, and with a flair for drama. While she would tell her story, she would wave her arms and her tone of voice would change, almost as if she were telling us a secret. Then she would look us in the eyes and pause, right before the climatic ending. We were all held in suspense. It didn’t matter if we had fought throughout the day or the fact that we had up to a 15-year age gap between us, we were all bound alike by her story. Her stories built a sense of family, history, and connection. They gave us joy. Her laughter was contagious.

Storytellers are magical.

When I was at LinkedIn as their chief human resources leader, I was asked by Jeff Weiner, our CEO at the time, “What do you stand for? What is your statement?” He was seeking a single sentence—a tagline. After a few conversations, I told him “I don’t have a single statement. I tell stories.” I realized then that this was my tagline!! I tell stories. (Thank you, Nanny!) This is how I have connected with others and continue to learn—both in the telling of stories and in listening to other people’s stories. Your stories.

The Power of Storytelling

Although I have loved stories since I was young, I didn’t understand the true power of storytelling until much later in life. Stories have the power to change the world—and YOU.

In 2016, when I was exploring the power of belonging, I learned the true magic of storytelling, specifically personal stories. It was storytelling that was the best tool in the toolbox to create a sense of belonging. Not only did others’ stories of belonging, or in fact when they did not belong, create shared learning but it also created a vulnerability that created a deeper sense of social connection between individuals who shared their stories.

In my personal research, I learned about the neuroscience behind the feelings you have when told a compelling, personal story. When you hear a story from the beginning, middle, and then the end, you release chemicals in your brain, which pull you into that story. You see yourself in that story. It is that magical element for all of us in which we get to learn from each other and begin to see each other’s perspective in a clearer light. Besides helping us learn, these chemicals also helped manifest empathy and compassion. Stories are amazing!

We Are Pulled Toward Stories

Research says that we are driven to belong. Our brains are genetically hardwired to motivate us toward connection and belonging—it’s how we survived and thrived for generations. In the early days of humankind, by belonging to a tribe, you would be safe, share food, and have a community around you. This need to belong, our social needs in fact, are managed by the same neural networks as our primary survival needs such as food and water. Think about how hungry you get at the end of a day! That is such a compelling feeling.

Belonging is a compelling force at work, too. The pull to belong is so strong that some people do not share their authentic self at work—they cover parts of themselves