Old Story to New Story: See the change
There were about 15 women, all ages and backgrounds, heads down in a St Vincent de Paul Thrift shop. I was doing my usual scan through the racks looking for a 60âs or 70âs style gemâŚone that wouldnât make me look like I was there the first time.
The radio was on, as it often is, tuned into a middle of the road AM station â classic hits and a steady stream of talk back. I wasnât really even aware of it until I heard the old 1960âs shock jock (still talking after all these years) sayâŚ
And in a few minutes weâre going to be talking about a new movie starring the Aussie lass, Rebel Wilson. You probably know her, sheâs that funny little overweight girl whoâŚ
Funny little overweight girl? Had I really heard that?
I looked up in amazement and saw the heads of all the other women were popping up too. And then came the laughter⌠and we were all talking at once.
âDid you hear that?â
âWhat did he say? Little overweight girl?â
âWhat year is thisâŚ?â
And then, still chuckling, back we went to our search.
Moments like these are gold. Theyâre a perfect testament to the power of a changing story. The DJâs comments were so out of synch with what is now okay that everyone knew it. Even better, the story was so old that it wasnât even threatening anymore. It didnât raise our ire⌠simply our mirth.
It was as dated as the clothes on the racksâŚbut without the style.
When a story changes for the better, we should take a moment to enjoy it. It can so quickly become the new normal that we can forget how far weâve come.
A âRemember whenâŚâ story session around old practice, old ideas and improved conditions is great for bonding and muscling up for the next mountain to climb.
We can be amazed when we re-visit what we once accepted as completely normal: either attitudes or shoulder pads!
Before you go, try one of our favourite team engagement ideas, download The Sweet Spot. Itâs free. Itâs meaningful and it will bring your people closer.