In The Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow is set on getting a brain. The Cowardly Lion is looking for some courage. And the sweet Tin Man longs for a heart. I’m guessing that’s because he knows emotions bring meaning to life.
But, as leaders, we often get caught up in Scarecrow mode.
We spew facts and figures because we love logic and data.
But it’s the Tin Man who really brings it home.
Facts inform. Emotions transform.
Think about the last time someone told you a story that made you spit out your coffee, get teary, or nod “yes!” Did you remember all the facts they shared? Probably not.
But I bet you remember how you felt after hearing it. The same works for movies and series. For the life of me, I can’t tell you specific plot points. But I always remember how the series or movie made me feel.
I remember if I liked it, hated it, felt disgusted, or overjoyed.
The same goes for music. I don’t even have to know the lyrics or see the sheet music to feel moved by a song. I must admit I’m not a fan of church hymns, but the sound of the choir I heard last night brought me to tears.
It was all emotion. And I want to feel that emotion when I go to church, watch a movie, or hear a story.
And that’s the magic of telling a story with heart. It connects us at a human level.
That’s not to say the Scarecrow is useless. Facts and logic give structure to your message.
But if you want to motivate, inspire, or connect, you need courage to blend heart and head. So you need the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
So, instead of just rattling off stats about why you need to grow as a team, pair them with a personal story about a time you experienced growth. The data provides context, but the story makes it unforgettable.
Whether you’re telling a story at work or around a dinner table, remember: People don’t just want to know what happened. They want to know why it mattered.
Share universal emotions. The facts of your story will be unique, but emotions like hope, disappointment, or failure are universal and create bonds.
Imagine sharing a story about a time you faced a major life decision. The Scarecrow would help you explain the options you weighed and the logic behind your choice.
The Tin Man would add the emotional weight about the fears you overcame, the hope that kept you going, or the joy of finding clarity. Together, they create a story that sticks.
So, take a cue from the Tin Man. Sprinkle in the facts, but let your heart lead the way.
Just like Dorothy needed the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion to get all the way back to Kansas, your story needs logic, emotion, and a dash of courage to connect and inspire.
And if you’d like me to come to your work site to run a half-day or full-day workshop for your team, let me know. I promise it’ll be fun and informative.
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