Navigating the Risks of Personal Storytelling in Business
Written on
Chapter 1: The Thin Line Between Personal and Professional
In both entrepreneurship and corporate environments, sharing personal narratives can lead to unforeseen consequences. Revealing too much too soon may backfire, especially if your audience isn't ready to receive that information.
As we increasingly blend our work and personal lives—especially in a remote work culture—the advice to be "genuine" and "authentic" often comes with a caveat. While vulnerability can foster connections, excessive openness may pose risks to your career, creating an unwanted identity.
For instance, you might find yourself labeled as "the person who went bankrupt" or "the person whose sibling faced legal issues." Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie articulated this concept well years ago. Once someone learns a significant detail about you, that fact can overshadow your entire identity.
During her college years in Connecticut, Adichie encountered a roommate who equated "Nigeria" with outdated stereotypes about Africa. The roommate's disappointment was palpable when Adichie's musical taste revealed a love for Mariah Carey, not "tribal music." This illustrates how a single story can become the lens through which you are viewed.
Section 1.1: The Danger of Single Narratives
When you present just one narrative, you risk presenting an incomplete picture of yourself. People are multidimensional; one story cannot encapsulate your entire identity. Furthermore, if there are inaccuracies in that narrative, they may reinforce misconceptions.
This challenge is particularly pertinent for newcomers in any business setting. When you first enter an organization, your audience is likely to form an opinion based solely on the initial story you share, without the context of your broader experiences.
A notable example is a successful entrepreneur who candidly discussed her battle with depression. By this point in her career, she had already established credibility and had a loyal following. Her personal story was just one facet of her multifaceted identity.
Section 1.2: Misinterpretations and Distortions
As a former college professor, I learned early on to avoid peering at students' notes during lectures. More often than not, I would find that something I'd said had been misinterpreted.
A simple statement like, "My sister was in a convent for a while," could morph into, "She was a nun for five years," or even worse, "She's a religious zealot with no romantic life." Each listener interprets your story through their own experiences and biases.
A recent example involved a new CEO who, during his introduction, shared personal details, including the impending finalization of his divorce. He mentioned plans to marry his girlfriend, whom he had been with for over three years, along with details about his children.
While this may seem mundane in today’s context, some colleagues were taken aback. The revelation of living with a partner before the divorce led to judgments about his character. One colleague expressed, "I cannot respect him, regardless of his contributions to the company."
For further insights into understanding audience perceptions, download my free guide, "The Surprising Way To Discover What Really Motivates Your Target Market."
The video titled "Authenticity: How to 'Be Yourself' | Being Well Podcast" delves into these themes, highlighting the balance between authenticity and professionalism in storytelling.
Chapter 2: The Balance of Vulnerability in Professional Settings
In a business context, while vulnerability can enhance personal relationships, it doesn't always translate well into professional dynamics. Although clients and colleagues may express a desire to connect with you as a whole person, they can easily become fixated on a singular narrative.
For more discussions on this topic, check out Episode #48 of the Strategic Storytelling podcast.
I'm Dr. Cathy Goodwin, a copywriter, storyteller, and strategist dedicated to assisting small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals. My goal is to enhance productivity through storytelling in marketing. If you're looking to refine your marketing approach and tackle your most pressing challenges, consider joining my Strategic Intensive to discover your unique story.