Learning through Stories

We all love a good story, especially if we can take something away from the story. When we learn through stories and experiences, we tend to utilize that knowledge more often. The more we use our knowledge, the great opportunity we have to develop our strengths.

The best leaders and public speakers are those that can share a story that illustrates what they are talking about and then create the motivation to take action. Here is one such story that I really like as there are many lessons to learn. As you read it, take some time to ponder what lessons there are to learn, write those down and find ways you might be able to improve.

Two sons work for their father on the family’s farm. The younger brother had for some years been given more responsibility and reward, and one day the older brother asks his father to explain why.

The father says, “First, go to the Kelly’s farm and see if they have any geese for sale – we need to add to our stock.”

The brother soon returns with the answer, “Yes they have five geese they can sell to us.”

That father then says, “Good, please ask them the price.”

The son returns with the answer, “The geese are £10 each.”

The father says, “Good, now ask if they can deliver the geese tomorrow.”

And duly the son returns with the answer, “Yes, they can deliver the geese them tomorrow.”

The father asks the older brother to wait and listen, and then calls to the younger brother in a nearby field, “Go to the Davidson’s          Farm and see if they have any geese for sale – we need to add to our stock.”

The younger brother soon returns with the answer, “Yes, they have five geese for £10 each, or ten geese for £8 each; and they                can deliver them tomorrow – I asked them to deliver the five unless they heard otherwise from us in the next hour. And I agreed t        that if we want the extra five geese we could buy them at £6 each.”

The father turned to the older son, who nodded his head in appreciation – he now realized why his brother was given more                        responsibility and reward.

Great little story right? So what are some of the lessons that you can take away?

Instead of providing my thoughts on this one, I will leave it up to you. I would love to have you respond to this post as I always want to learn from others.

Hero Helpful Hint (H3):

Think of personal experiences or stories that you have heard that can help you teach key principals. Make a list of those so you have them ready when you need them.