(How I made my peace with numbers, thanks to a two minute story.)
The stories told by my interviewees often change my own attitudes. And they do it in a matter of seconds.
Sometimes it’s because of what they say; an arresting image or intriguing fact.
Sometimes it’s how they say it; the feelings behind the words.
In the case of my chat with Ron Tanner, Leadership Growth Trainer at Shirlaws, a global business coaching company, it was both.
Bondi Beach v Bookkeeping
Ron’s background spans chartered accounting and surfing. He paints a vivid picture; the rush you feel when you’re on the baord:
When you’re inside the wave, when it’s going over you, propelling you forward really fast, you feel like you are standing still. It’s a place where your mind disengages and relaxes because it doesn’t need to think. It’s like that when you’re skiing. You’re just operating in relation to what is coming towards you. Your mind doesn’t need to decide; it’s just responding. In fact, if you concentrate too hard, that’s when you fall off.
Bondi Beach – 8, Bookkeeping – 10
Then Ron turns to the world of numbers. For pure exhilaration, Australian surf is hard to beat. Then I think back to our conversation. I still remember the excitement in his voice when he describes the language of double-entry accounting:
There is a structure in business, in how we measure it, that we have all agreed to. It’s an incredible thing. When you think that worldwide, it’s a language we all adopt. It’s how we all express how our businesses are performing. We have dozens, hundreds of spoken languages, but the language of accounting, of business structure, is universal. I find that outstanding!
Ron’s descriptions made a lasting impression on me, as you’ll see in this film.
Tell your business story in a way that makes your audience sit up and reassess. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to talk it through with you.
Call me on 07456 416 475 for an informal chat. Or send me an email.
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