What is power? Is it a definition that google search returns, “the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality”? or Is it something that exists within all of us … 5 senses of human nervous system?

This question is mind boggling! Many of us have different perceptions…

To me, the word, “power” has many meanings, however the heart of the power is the storytelling. Story is a place where everyone come together to listen, to agree / disagree, to feel and to think about the human presence. Especially, when we are watching a comedy or horror theater play, the impact of the play story on audiences, reflects based on the actor’s ability to touch the heart, ears, and eyes of those who are sitting in the auditorium. Indeed, it is extraordinary experience because in this example of theatre play, we were able to grasp 3 Senses of human sensory system, the Sight (eyes), hearing (ears), and touch (heart) . This is power indeed.

It takes a lot to be powerful, certainly doesn’t come in a day … it takes practice, experience and most of all, patience. Few questions come to mind while thinking about previous example of theater play, how do theater actors do it? Is it a illusion or pretense? What is it that holds energy and focus in the audience?

These questions are somewhat unimagined, or completely ignored. Most of us don’t really understand what is takes to be presence? Let’s first understand the meaning of presence … involves all of ourselves – body, thoughts, feelings, and words in what is going on around us in a present moment, not in past and nor in future. One presence can be felt or be absent … depends on the how that one chooses to be in the present moment. Presence is also an energy within a one self that can change from situation to situation, thus presence is dynamic.

Thereby, it is important that one becomes aware of his or her presence to bring the energy of own presence. Once, one is aware of his / her own presence, it is easier to ensure that own intensions do come across to others in the way one wants.

Earlier, I mentioned, the heart of the power is the story, what does that mean?

Now that one is aware of his or her presence, as a result; one can communicate story that reaches others. The most importantly, one’s story should be able to reach others 5 senses of human nervous system. Vice versa, one is now ready to listen and understand others stories.

If we apply this basics of storytelling in the corporate leadership, where one has own presence, and being able to communicate own stories and understand other stories by reaching any 5 senses of human nervous system, then one is definitely on a track to succeed as powerful leader.

If one decides to incorporate this into his / her life, then one’s improves his / her ability to impact his / her or even others personal and professional life; more broadly lives for that matter.

Dig deep. Be present. Communicate your story. Understand others. This is the power of storytelling!