Work Archives

How to Structure a Story: Going Beyond Beginning, Middle, & End

If you’ve got a beginning, a middle, and an end, do you have a story? What’s missing? In his book Unleash the Power of Storytelling, speechwriter-turned-actor Rob Biesenbach believes that a story’s structure matters. But, he contends that there’s something even more important. He explains how to infuse certain processes into the structure to create a truly engaging story. Continue reading to learn, not just how to structure a story, but how to breathe life into that structure.

Storytelling Tips From a Speechwriter-Turned-Actor

Do you want to engage and persuade your audience when you talk about your work, passions, or values? What if you crafted a story and then delivered it as a performance? Even when you care deeply about your message, you don’t always connect with your listeners. Rob Biesenbach says that, if you take the time to get it right, you can tell a story that captivates listeners, affects their emotions, and persuades them to act. Continue reading for several practical storytelling tips from a master of the craft.

How to Craft a Story: The 6-Step Process That Anyone Can Learn

Where do story ideas come from? What kinds of characters engage an audience? When you edit, what should you take out? When you have a message to convey to an audience, it takes time to craft a story that’s perfectly suited for the job. Biesenbach outlines a process you can use to create a story that matches the audience you need to reach and the message you want to deliver. Keep reading to learn how to craft a story, from finding an idea to editing your draft.

What Is Upstream Thinking? Journeying to Find the Root Cause

What is upstream thinking? Why is it a superior problem-solving strategy? In Upstream, Dan Heath advocates for focusing energy on upstream problem-solving. He concedes that the concept of working on the root causes of problems is not always the easiest route, but it does offer the potential for improving flawed systems and reducing harm on a broader scale. Continue reading to learn what upstream thinking is and why it’s a better way to solve problems.

How to Hone Your Work Style to Create Masterful Work

What’s your work style? Did you create it deliberately? Would you like to develop your own unique way of working? Throughout history, many famous innovators—whether they engineered scientific breakthroughs or composed revolutionary musical pieces—went through a process of developing their own style of work. You, too, can go through this process and make a unique mark on the world. Read more to learn how to develop a personal style that sets you and your work apart in your field.

Crafting & Sharing Your Career Story With Others (and Yourself)

Do you look at your career as just a timeline with points on it? What if you saw it as a story? Whether you realize it or not, your career has a narrative. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end (in the past or in the future). You’re the main character who has certain motivations and faces obstacles along the way. Keep reading to learn how putting your career story into words can be powerful for colleagues, prospective employers, and even yourself.

The Power of Saying No and Setting Boundaries

What is the power of saying no? Why should you set boundaries at home and work? If you want to make others happy, you might be inclined to say “yes” to everything. But, as The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden claims, this could prevent you from achieving your dreams because you’ll lose focus. Learn more about the power of saying no and how boundaries keep you on the path to success.

How Storytelling in Presentations Sets Up & Bolsters a Message

Do you give presentations at work? Are you ever called on to make a toast? Does your company have an origin story that needs to be told? Stories have an important place in presentations, whether you’re pitching an idea, introducing a product, or giving a lecture. In Unleash the Power of Storytelling, Rob Biesenbach provides practical advice for using storytelling in presentations, including your corporate story and even a toast or eulogy. Keep reading to learn how to engage an audience by using storytelling in presentations.

How to Stay Productive All Day: Create a Marathon Out of It

What is a productivity marathon? How can you stay productive all day? With phones and email distracting us all day, it’s easy to slack off and get off task. By taking a productivity marathon, you can check off all the items on your list and stay focused on the task at hand. Here’s how to stay productive all day, according to Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth.

How to Heal From Burnout: 6 Tips to Relieve Stress

Are you exhausted from work and home from responsibilities? How do you heal from burnout? Physical, emotional, or mental burnout is something you can experience when you neglect your personal needs while overworking yourself. The most common symptoms of burnout are exhaustion, lack of motivation, and even more dangerous effects such as high blood pressure and insomnia. Here are six tips that will teach you how to heal from burnout.