Why Leaders Should Share Their Story
Life is an unpredictable journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the face of life's surprises, stories are a tool to help us make sense of our experiences. As leaders, we hold a profound ability to inspire by sharing our personal narratives.
The Bible is filled with examples of personal stories. From the testimonies of Paul in the New Testament to the stories of David and Esther in the Old Testament, these narratives emphasize the significance of personal testimony in strengthening and encouraging community and inspiring others.
Leadership involves more than just making decisions and giving direction; it's about connecting with people on a deeper level. Telling stories is a potent tool for leaders because stories help people feel seen. When individuals listen to a story, they are invited to consider, "What would I do in this situation?" Walking in the storyteller's shoes leads to empathy, a powerful force that fosters connection. Empathy, in turn, becomes a bridge that unites people. Leaders can use stories to present ideas, illustrating the journey from where the organization began, where it currently stands, and where it aspires to be. This narrative approach engages team members, helping them understand their shared purpose and fostering a sense of unity.
While the idea of vulnerability may initially seem daunting, leaders can address concerns by recognizing the strength that comes from openness. Transparency about personal struggles allows leaders to connect with their community on a deeper level. By acknowledging their imperfections, leaders can demonstrate humility and authenticity, reinforcing our shared identity as sinners saved by the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
In the context of city leadership, the importance of storytelling becomes even more pronounced. A city leader’s story is a powerful means of motivating others to join the gospel movement by demonstrating their shared purpose and values through stories. In a world where assumptions and stereotypes abound, telling your personal story becomes an act of reclaiming your narrative. If you don't tell your story, someone else will tell their version for you. And their version will be an incomplete and inaccurate portrayal—because they are not you! Only you can tell your story. By sharing a personal narrative, city leaders can counteract assumptions, foster a deeper understanding within their communities, and establish a foundation of trust that leads to greater collaboration.
At its essence, a story is about growth and transformation. Empathy is cultivated in stories when a leader shares openly about the challenges they’ve faced, choices they made, and the consequences of their actions. Storytelling is not a one-way street; it involves both telling and listening. Listening to someone’s story with an open mind and heart allows the listener to connect with the storyteller on a deeper level, recognizing shared emotions and experiences—empathy.
In Luke 8, we find Jesus en route to heal Jairus’ daughter. In the midst of the crowd, he perceived that power had gone out of him. “And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace’” (Luke 8:47-48). This moment is an incredible example of the importance of listening without judgment. Through genuine listening, stories become a medium for creating empathy and understanding, bringing people together, and dispelling the illusion of isolation.
In a world that often encourages hiding behind filters and data, stories serve as bridges that reach beneath the surface, fostering empathy and connection. Through the exchange of stories, individuals recognize the commonality of their human experiences. Leaders, by sharing their personal narratives, invite others to connect with their values, motivating collective action and creating a sense of unity toward collaboration. In the end, storytelling reminds us that we are not alone; we are all part of a shared human experience. Through storytelling, we have the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate God's goodness throughout our journey.
And now it’s your turn. We encourage you to take a moment to share a story about yourself by emailing us below. It could be about a specific moment in your life when you grappled with the calling to be a leader—a moment from your childhood or from just yesterday. Or perhaps it’s about a time when you faced a personal challenge, how you overcame it, and how that experience has shaped who you are now. Or maybe it’s about what God is teaching you now, even after all these years. By reading the perspectives of other leaders and sharing our own, we grow as individuals and a global community of Christians. No matter how big or small your story may seem, please take a moment to consider sharing it with our team.* You never know who you could encourage by sharing your story!
*Your story will stay private with us unless you give express permission for it to be shared with other audiences.
About the Author
Rachel Ojo brings over a decade of experience in building collaborative relationships in the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors. Rachel works to strengthen and steward City to City's ecosystem of global leaders by cultivating strong relationships, facilitating dialogue between different perspectives, and synthesizing strategies. Rachel resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband.