Own Your Narrative
Have you ever found yourself creating a story around someone else’s behavior?
For instance, you’re sitting in a meeting waiting and waiting and your manager comes on 15 minutes late and just gets started with the meeting. You might, in your head, have a story about the fact that they don’t respect your time, or they think their time is more valuable than others, or that they even forgot about the meeting because it’s such a low priority for them.
But is that really true, or is it just a story you’ve created in your mind?
Jim Dethmer from Conscious Leadership offers a powerful tool to help separate facts from stories. When faced with situations like this, the key is to acknowledge and own the story you’re telling yourself.
For example, you could say, “I noticed you were late, and I made up a story that this meeting might not be a priority.” By owning your story, you avoid assuming your interpretation is the truth and create space for open communication.
This technique not only helps you stay grounded in reality but also improves your relationships, both personally and professionally. Next time you find yourself spiraling into a narrative, pause and ask yourself: Is this a fact or a story? This shift can transform the way you communicate and lead.
Read more: Are You Guilty of Unclear Communication?
