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What people see… is not the full story.
Because there’s more to you than what meets the eye.
But how will they know what’s more… if you don’t tell your story?
Yesterday I was in NYC planning a workshop I’ll facilitate about storytelling. The audience is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI professionals).
And the problem for AAPIs is they are seen as the “model minority”. Great traits of hard workers, smart and analytical, and work delivered with wonderful quality.
But what’s not told is the other side of the story. That they’re not seen as having strong leadership traits, being strategic, and addressing conflict. But that simply isn’t true.
Maybe you’re not AAPI… but you’re a woman. Or racial minority. Or an introvert. Or LBTQ+. Or Neurodivergent. Or have a physical disability. Or in a support function. (Did I miss any???)
These traits often have biases that prevent you from being seen as a leader.
I’ll tell you right now… working harder isn’t the fix.
"I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore."
–> To change other’s perspective, you need to paint them a new picture. With your story, through your perspective.
How?
I keep in mind this framework from Glo Atenmo – an African American who started her entrepreneurial career as a solo woman travel blogger. (talk about breaking biases!)
Your story should be an ACRE long.
A – Authentic. Uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to highlight YOU!
C – Confrontation. Talk about the pain point, the tension, the hard stuff.
R – Revelation. What is the surprising take away or truth or discovery you helped find?
E – Evolution. What was the result, the new way of thinking, the perspective paradigm shift?
Be courageous. Share your story.
If you don’t… who will?
– Laura @ Mindtap
“I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say “Me, too.””
– Jason Collins, former NBA basketball player