What separates mid-career professionals who rise to the top of their game in a business environment? Is it the “primary” skills that include intellect, education and good-old hard work? Not really. The real differentiators are the “secondary” skills that set the stage for professionals to be viewed as “exceptional” and accelerate past the pack.
Recently I read a column in the Wall Street Journal that focused on this question, and confirmed that professionals who develop the ability to bring people together, unify a team and interestingly, have the ability to tell appropriate, compelling and inspiring stories are the ones who succeed. Stories are often a powerful medium that leaders use to motivate, teach and rally their teams.
This reminded me of a book that I turn to often, The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. Pick up a copy and learn how story can be used to persuade and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points and directives can’t.