LEARNING ABOUT A PERSON THROUGH THEIR STORY

In his book, "25 Ways to Win with People," John Maxwell talks about getting to know someone on a deeper level by asking people about themselves -- learning their story.  The longer I coach the more I have come to realize that success relies on relationships and this is a great method to work on developing them.  Here is what Maxwell has to say:

There are so many good reasons to learn a person’s story. Here are just a few that keep motivating me to continue this practice with others:

1. Requesting a person’s story says, “You could be special.”

2. Remembering a person’s story says, “You are special.”

3. Reminding a person of his or her story says, “You are special to me.”

4. Repeating a person’s story to other says, “You should be special to them.”

       •Ask

       •Listen

1. Look the speaker in the eye.

2. Be attentive.

3. Don’t interrupt.

4. Tell the speaker what you think you heard; begin by saying, “Let me see if I understand…”

       •Remember

Some people have a knack for numbers, others for names or faces. But just about everyone had the capacity to remember stories. Small children remember them. Stories stay with us.