What's Your Story?

We don't have to look far to see how the stories people tell themselves impact almost everything else about their lives. I had a situation at work this week where I was reminded of the power of story and how it informs how we choose to react or interact with things that we encounter.

I had to speak up to someone about a piece of creative communication they were getting ready to send to the whole company and how I wasn't sure it was appropriate, and was even potentially risky. They flippantly disagreed and without discussion downplayed the concern and moved to release the communication. Because they resisted my input, which was intended to prevent a legal liability, I had to confirm with another leader to ensure we weren't exposed. This is part of my role. I don't like it, but I take the responsibility seriously. We actually were at risk.

I always find that if you want to find someone's insecurity, then appear to "criticize" something related to their work, ideas, creativity, etc. Immediately, you will find a reaction if they feel threatened. It's the story they believe about the threat that makes them react. I have a good relationship with this person at work, and so I was surprised by the resistance and unwillingness to discuss it before deeming it a nonissue. Her defensiveness with me was unusual. Knowing her back story, I immediately considered there must be a reason she reacted the way she did. Maybe she didn't understand what I was trying to say. Whatever the reason, it was part of the story in her mind of why there wasn't an issue.

But how many times do we react to perceived "threats" in life, telling ourselves a story that might have parts that aren't true?

When I shot the photo of this little girl running around free at the beach, I immediately thought that's how free we all should be. Her family was near, watching her enjoy the beach. She didn't seem to have a care in the world except for chasing the sea gulls and other birds and delighting in their scurrying around. She was untethered and free. If only we all could be.

When you react, what's your story?