Your Leadership Story

Leaders all have stories-the events, perspectives, and behaviors that constitute who they are-but few are aware of what that story is or what is says about them. Leadership development expert Tim Tobin show how, by thinking of themselves as literally writing a story -with a plot, theme, characters, and an arc-leaders can take control of their story and become more effective, insightful, and inspiring.

Stories have power. They move people in a way that facts and figures can't. Many leaders use stories as a tool, but leadership development expert Tim Tobin says most have no idea what tale their own leadership is telling. He shows how, by thinking of your career as a narrative-with a plot, characters, and an arc-you can increase your awareness of yourself as a leader and become more effective, insightful, and inspiring.

Using story as both a metaphor and a process for self-development, Tobin offers activities and questions that help you better understand your own leadership and how others perceive it. What is the plot of your leadership story-your overall goals and purpose? Who are the main characters and what roles do they play? How have the settings of your story influenced it? What are the conflicts that you need to resolve to move toward the ending you intend?

But you have to share your story to make it an effective leadership tool. Tobin gives detailed advice on framing your message, finding ways to communicate it, and understanding the role others play in furthering that message.

If you don't tell your leadership story, other people will-and it may not be the story you want told. Taking control of your leadership story enables you to more consciously shape the impact you have in the world. You'll be better equipped to make decisions, choose actions that tell the story you want to tell, make stronger connections to those you lead, and ensure that you become the kind of leader you want to be.

I. Introduction
a. Leadership Story Defined
i. What Makes Great Leadership
ii. Why Focus on Your Leadership Story
iii. About This Book
iv. How to Use This Book
b. Framework for the Book
i. What is the Role of Time?
ii. What Makes a Good Story?

II. Part I Understanding And Aligning Your Leadership Story
a. Define Your Plot
b. Identify and Leverage Your Key Characters
c. Prepare for Conflict
d. Develop Your Theme
e. Find Your Optimal Setting

III. Part II The Art of Communicating Your Leadership Story
a. Know Your Message
b. Recognize Moments of Truth
c. Know Your Audience
d. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
e. Enlist Others to Tell Your Leadership Story

IV. Conclusion

V. Resources
a. List of Activities
i. Activities To Do Yourself
ii. Activities To Give Others
b. List of Reflection Questions
c. List of Tips