Stories Lead The Way – Success Story From Japan
June 29, 2009
There's More Beyond
I have a wonderful fan from Japan who wrote to me recently saying, “Annie, I just want you to know that I had to make a presentation to a group in my company to try to get them to do things they have never done before. I used the the “Plus Ultra” story from your blog with great success.” His use of story to lead his team to new places was such a great example of the true power of story, that I asked him if I could share it and he willingly agreed.
So here is the story of a leader from Japan who urged his team to go further beyond:
I am a partner in a global accounting firm. I have been doing this work for almost 30 years in five countries. In Tokyo, as a foreigner, I am an advisor. I can only try to influence and suggest action. Often, we foreigners suggest the implementation of methodologies and practices from the U.S. that the Japanese resist for a variety of reasons. Most of the reasons are some version of the theme that Japan is different or that the Japanese are different. That is true, of course, but from my point of view, the issue is not “if” it should be implemented, but “how” it should be localized.
I advise a Japanese client service engagement team. In the case below, I had to make a presentation to a group, led by a gentleman named Takefumi (Tak). My goal was to try to get them to do things they have never done before. I began the presentation with the Plus Ultra story that I found on Annie’s blog: http://anniehart.com/2009/05/how-stories-change-the-world/.
I built the message of “go further beyond” into each of the four action steps that I wanted them to take. I suggested that the team implement four methodologies that are successful in the U.S. but which have not been tried at all or only in a limited way before.
Tak is the new leader of the team. His predecessor was reluctant to consider any of the action steps. So, with a new leader, I thought I would try again.
When I followed up with Tak the next day, much to my surprise, he was already convinced of the need for change and to go further beyond. He liked the story and the powerful meaning it had for him and his team. After several more conversations, he is fully onboard with three of the four steps. And, given that the fourth step is not too popular in the U.S. either, it may have been an “action step too far” for now.
But I consider this to be a success. Annie, I eagerly await your next story. Maybe I can get to the fourth action step afterall! I want to thank you for the story.
Annie’s note: Isn’t this a great story! Let it inspire your actions in the world today. You CAN make a difference through the stories you tell.
Top Business Skills For Our Future, Part 2
May 25, 2009
This is the second in my three-part survey of leaders from around the world who answered this question: “Everyone is concerned about how to survive in these tough times, but YOU are someone that lives bigger than just these times. When you peer into the future, what is the number one skill you see that we need for the future?”
From Doug Lipman, Edmond, OK
The number one skill I see needed for the future of our society is the ability to create new social structures based on mutually beneficial relationships. Why? Our existing social structures are largely based on profit. This can’t be sustained indefinitely, since profit demands an exponential increase (e.g.,8% per year, which amounts to doubling every 10 years), whereas actual value increases more slowly and some resources are fixed or even declining (e.g., fossil fuels). In effect, we’re working a “pyramid scheme” on the world. Such schemes always self-destruct in time.
What new structures do we need? We can’t predict what new societal structures will arise as the existing ones crumble. But relationships based on trust and respect will survive. In time, they can even evolve into new institutions.
So what does it take to create new social structures? First, we need the ability to understand and express our own point of view. Second, we need the ability to deeply listen to others, so that we understand differing points of view. Third, we need the ability to create expanded perspectives that include both parties’ points of view. Finally, we need the ability to create solutions, bridges, and adaptations that work for everyone within that perspective. For example, suppose you need support in your work as an artist. First, you need to be able to explain exactly what your true needs are (e.g., other artists to bounce ideas off, audiences to communicate with, modest physical resources of food, etc.). Further, let’s suppose you are trying to build a mutually supportive relationship with someone who sees her needs as including the inspiration that your artworks might potentially provide.
Second, you need to listen well to understand the exact needs of this person – and what she is happy to provide in return, such as money (that’s an easy one, at least at the start) or sharing your work with her friends (this takes more creativity on your part, if you expect to fully benefit from it).
Third, you need to find a perspective that includes both of your needs. For example, how does that person’s need for inspiration relate to her energy for sharing inspiring artwork? How might all that relate to your exact needs for audiences? Finally you have the option to create a mechanism for enabling your mutual benefit. For example, you might create a blog or other website that she can bring her friends to and which you contribute examples of your art.
As this simple example shows, the ability to create new social structures demands several sub-abilities, including imagination, empathy, inventiveness and creativity. No one person needs to have all the sub-abilities. But we all need to create and join communities in which individuals with the component abilities and energies can give part of what they have to offer and get part of what they need.
People have been using these abilities since the beginning of time. Now, in a time of transition, these are the abilities that can most protect us from the crumbling of exploitative structures and can also hasten the emergence of mutually beneficial ones.
“The Storytelling Coach”
www.storydynamics.com
From Nina East, Chapel Hill, NC
You have to be able to show that you care – which means you actually have to care in the first place (not just have the appearance of caring) and be able to communicate this in genuine ways. Ultimately it all comes down to relationship. People who build meaningful relationships are the ones who will thrive in the future.
Founder, Personal Growth Princess
www.PersonalGrowthPrincess.com
From Matthew Lynch, Chestnut Hill, PA
There is so much change happening so quickly that people must remain adaptable. Stubborness will mean certain disaster. Those people that find themselves in the unemployment line must learn new skills if they want to begin working again. Also, the financial services industry has seen many large buy-outs and mergers. People have to be willing to do away with their old daily routines, and adapt to the changes that will inevitably come with the marriage of two companies. The most successful people adapt and overcome.
Assistant Manager, TD Bank North
www.tdbank.com
From Sue Painter, Knoxville, TN
When I peer into the future, the number one skill I see that we need for the future is collaboration with others. The new model of doing business is a collaborative model. After many years of competitiveness and on-upmanship, we’ve found the downsides of that model for business. The businesses that will thrive most in the next decade are those that are transpararent and know how to work with their customers and even with their competitors in strongly collaborative partnership. On the personal side, collaboration is a winning behavior, too. It leads to much more openness and thus more possibilities in our lives with family, friends and community.
President and Founder, The Confident Marketer
www.confidentmarketer.com
From Amy Edleman, Chestnut Hill, PA
Glad to offer my opinion. The skills that I believe business owners need to have is the ability to change and adapt. Whether it’s new technology, new products that a younger generation is interested in or responding to current events and applying them to business.
We began to take steps to become a Green certified bakery several months ago. Customers are more aware of environmental issues and support our efforts by recycling and even bringing their own bags. Our steps to reduce waste, water and energy have positively affected our bottom line.
Owner, Night Kitchen Bakery
www.NightKitchenBakery.com, http://greeninchestnuthill.blogspot.com
Read on to Part 3 for more number one skills
Story of the Week – Sweet Success
May 18, 2009
By Leah Call, Reprinted from Grit Magazine
Suzanne “Sibby” Sebion is passionate about organic, farm-fresh food and living a natural, simple lifestyle. She’’ also passionate about revitalizing her community and saving the family farm. This southwestern Wisconsin woman found the perfect outlet for her passion – ice cream.
In 2001, Sebion began producing Sibby’s Homestead Organic Ice Cream. It’s free of preservatives, chemical additives and genetically engineered ingredients, and it is soooo good! Today she makes her custard-like organic ice cream daily at the 3,500-square-foot homestead creamery she built on the farm that has been in her family for 150 years.
A parcel delivery truck driver for 19 years, Sebion saw firsthand the growing organic movement in Wisconsin’s Kickapoo Valley, and she wanted to be a part of it. With roots in dairy farming, her thoughts turned to ice cream, and, with some help from University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy science professor Dr. Robert Bradley, she created the perfect recipe. Certified 100 percent organic, Sibby’s uses fresh organic cream from local farmers, organic cocoa, organic egg yolks and pure organic vanilla extract.
With the perfect recipe and a few pints of her handmade ice cream, she hit the road to market her product. “I bought a deep freeze and would go to Madison and Milwaukee once a month and deliver to food co-ops in La Crosse and Winona,” Sebion says. She continued that practice until she had enough customers to attract a distributor.
yummy!
Sibby’s has come a long way since that first trek to Madison. Though she oversees everything, Sebion has a manager to handle much of the production and make ice cream five days a week.
Sibby’s Homestead Organic Ice Cream can be found in food co-ops and natural food stores in 16 states and is now distributed throughout the Midwest by organic distributor United Natural Foods. “We are in all the Whole Foods Markets now in the Midwest, and I’m meeting with Costco next month,” Sebion says. “We will take it national next summer.”
This sweet Wisconsin treat has even drawn international interest. “Last week, I was contacted by someone in Shanghai, wondering if I’m ready to move into the major cities in China,” Sebion says. “I would supply the five-star hotels as a boutique ice cream.” Sebion attributes her international fame to her new packaging and redesigned Web site – released in 2007.
“Sibby’s is food without judgment. It’s the way I live my life,” Sebion says. “I decided to label it ‘The Official Planet Peace Food.’ Eat in peace. Love Sibby. It’s short, it’s simple, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” Since releasing her new label, she has spoken with farmers and representatives from Costa Rica, Panama, Canada, Ireland, Turkmenistan, Brazil and beyond.
“Who knows what will come across my desk next week,” Sebion says. “Is it because it’s the Official Planet Peace Food? Probably!”
World peace is a pretty big undertaking for a little pint of ice cream, but this ice cream, produced in one of Wisconsin’s poorest counties, is also the foundation of another noble effort. Sebion hopes the ice cream that returned productivity to her family farm can help do the same for the nearby rural community of Viroqua.
In late 2007, Sebion, along with business partner Tony Macasaet opened an organic ice cream shop, Organic Zone, in the recently renovated Main Street Station, an indoor public market on Viroqua’s Main Street. The market is an outlet for area artists and entrepreneurs to market their wares.
“Tony and I are local kids. We’ve seen our downtown fall apart. And we are trying to rebuild our town,” Sebion says. “We are trying to create jobs here in the market. We’ve got 90 merchants that make money each month. Everything here is based on fair trade, localism and organics. What we are doing is working – in the name of organic ice cream.” All the ice cream sold at the Organic Zone is produced at Sebion’s homestead creamery, just a few miles away.
“We bring the mix here – have a soft serve machine and can do all these crazy specialty ice creams. I’m doing wild huckleberry that we buy from farmers in Montana. I buy my walnuts from a widowed Amish woman, who supports seven of her children off of her little store here. The candy comes from an Amish lady, too.”
Sebion enjoys supporting local growers and mentoring others to run businesses, especially in organic foods. “So instead of four people on the planet owning our food supply, we take it back – little by little, and all the job creation that goes along with it. And good food again,” Sebion adds. “That’s something we grew up with. It’s not rocket science.”
Check out Sibby’s ices cream at: http://sibbysicecream.com/
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