Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
While we’re busy with the tactical stuff, we often skip the important first step—of reflecting deeply about the reason our idea or project needs to exist and the change we’re trying to create. This first step is harder than it seems, because asking these deeper questions makes us feel vulnerable to failure. We’d rather press on unenlightened, doing
... See moreBernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
Prior to the emissions scandal, the engineering team at Volkswagen lived in fear of being unable to meet tough innovation deadlines, while the people at Tesla were aspiring to become the company that would change the world.
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
Why did you/they feel compelled to start this business?
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
every decision we make is dependent on what we prioritise. And every business direction or career path is a series of choices.
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
Far from just being a way to differentiate us, our stories can help us to decide, plan, lead, sell, inspire, influence, persuade, rally, create value, build trust, foster connection and succeed by building better, more purposeful organisations and lives.
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
well as our heads and hands.
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Bernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
In a group dynamic, we need to create an agreed-upon and shared worldview, a set of guiding beliefs through which our decisions can be filtered. This enables us to make good judgement calls even in stressful situations. Shared values allow us to unite around shared ideals. When we agree upon them, we are also agreeing to be bound by the behaviours
... See moreBernadette Jiwa • Story Driven: You don't need to compete when you know who you are
But whether as an individual or as a brand, you can’t thrive if you spend the majority of your time competing with and comparing yourself to others. Differentiation happens when you authentically amplify the best of you—discovering how to be more of who you are, rather than finding ways to be a version of the competition.