The Greatness Project

Pass It On

April 19, 2004

Turning on the television or picking up a recent newspaper takes courage. Bad news easily overwhelms anything positive we might hear or read. Solitude seems a safe option in the face of these stories about violence, retribution, jealousy, hatred, greed, or envy. Forging ahead through daily negative bombardment can be a gargantuan task. How can we help others attain greatness while surrounded by such depressing news?

Helping others attain greatness is a responsibility that respondents to our recent Greatness Project survey shoulder quite willingly. One hundred percent of our respondents told us they can and want to help others achieve full potential. The question arises, how do they plan to do that? We’d like to suggest one way to help people believe they’re capable of something different, something better: Tell a “good” story.

Currently, “storytelling” is emerging in corporations. Leaders know that telling stories is an effective way to convey ideas. A good story provides of the “how to” and ”why to” all in one. Many of us learn and are empowered when we hear about greatness in action. We tend to believe that if someone else can succeed, then maybe we can also. Seventy-eight percent of our respondents acknowledged the value of hearing stories about greatness in others to understand how they and others can achieve their own greatness. We say that greatness involves encouraging others with the good stories.

Let us provide an example of how this can work. Two weeks ago, we had the luxury of staying at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Nigel , California while speaking at a conference. We were so enamored with the hotel and its incredible staff that we asked the front desk manager how they maintained such a high level of excellence. “We tell stories about each other,” she replied with a smile. She elaborated by revealing that all Ritz Carlton employees at every hotel are encouraged to tell stories to management and staff about fellow employees who provide exceptional client service. Each month these stories are collected and retold to the entire staff. As a result, five employees are selected to receive a “Five Star” badge of honor they wear for the month, plus a cash bonus. The manager added that hearing the stories was the most important part of the program because “we learn great service from each other.”

Stories can enhance the possibility of achieving greatness. Think about stories that have encouraged you. Your catalyst may have been the story of a parent or grandparent who overcame incredible odds to succeed. A story about someone famous may have helped you realize you were not so different and inspired you to try something new. One of our survey respondents offered, “The information [about greatness] can be shared with those in our lives. Everyone can benefit from greatness, and it can become contagious.” Stories have power to change belief systems, provide examples, and illustrate possibilities.

Each day, bad news can smother dreams and desires by painfully reminding us of the challenges we face to achieve our potential. Telling good stories is a powerful antidote, encouraging others to continue developing. When you hear or witness a story about greatness, pass it on.