Your Story Matters
Stories are one of the most powerful tools you can use to engage and connect with others. The power of a single story goes far beyond simply relaying facts and data and can be a highly effective in resiliency. Stories emotionalize information. They give color and depth to otherwise boring material and they allow people to connect with the message in a deeper, more meaningful way.
So how do we harness the power of storytelling? First, it’s about vulnerability that allows the emotional core of your message to come through. Emotion combined with information becomes memorable and actionable. Confused by what that means? Think about it. Where were you on 9/11? Chances are that you can remember exactly where you were when you learned about the tragic events that transpired that day. But if you had to think where you were the day before that – that memory is probably hazier. Information attached to pain or pleasure creates an emotional connection that resonates within you — this is at the heart of the power of a great story.
We asked Emergency Mangers around Colorado to share, these are their stories:
From an Emergency Management Coordinator in Colorado when asked about stress:
“As Emergency managers we tend to wear this invisible shield, much like first responders; a shield that says we are IMMUNE from anything “bad” that happens. The reality is, we are not immune. Worse even, we neglect our personal needs and put our lives on hold, while supporting communities during a disaster.
We preach self-care, but we do not practice self-care. What we should be doing, as emergency management leadership, is setting the example of self-care. Have I experienced stress during COVID, absolutely! To top that off the added stresses of going from starting at a sprint…and THEN running a full COVID marathon. Our “resources” were also stressed, tapped out and even further limited on accessibility due to COVID restrictions. Life doesn’t stop simply because we are “activated”; cars break down, kids get sick, family and friends still die, bills pile up, and that is assuming we are healthy enough to manage.
We simply HAVE to take care of our team, locally, regionally, and even outside of that immediate network.
If we don’t take care of our team, who will?”
If you are interested in sharing your thoughts or story, please reach out to Chris Saunders text: 303-349-0297 or email: csaunders@bouldercounty.org