Could 2026 be the year of this?
Lauren Cook, Founder
At Connecting Our Stories, we always start storytelling projects with the same first question for our clients: “What is the story of your people?”
We ask about the voices, wisdom, and lived experiences of the organization’s leaders, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, those served by the organization’s work.
Many clients can point to a recent survey, a focus group, or even case studies or interviews with staff, clients, or program participants. Some can share a story from the field or a favorite quote from someone involved in the work.
But other clients pause. They aren’t sure how their staff, volunteers, or beneficiaries feel about their organization’s impact. They aren’t as connected to those voices, especially in recent years.
So what is the essential first step for storytelling that results in fruitful connections with an organization’s most important audiences?
It is listening.
We can guarantee that listening to your people first will not only make for stronger storytelling, but it can inform other organizational priorities like strategy and program design. So much can be gained by human-centered listening – we’ve seen it happen first hand!
(Side note: This same rule applies to organizations that don’t serve humans. For organizations with missions serving creatures or land, it is just as important to ensure those perspectives – channeled by human caretakers – are front and center in developing strong storytelling.)
Lauren listening to Michael Lofton’s story, CEO of African American Youth Harvest Foundation
Can 2026 be the year of listening first? We hope so. It’s something we try hard to practice at Connecting Our Stories.
Frankly, listening well is something I have always had to work hard at. If you know me, my high energy, enthusiasm, and extroversion can put me in reactive, ready-fire-aim positions if I’m not careful (I’m an 8 on the Enneagram – if you know, you know!).
Slowing down to listen well with an open heart, valuing every word and gesture of the people, creatures, and land I’m connecting with, has been the single most important skill I’ve cultivated in the past 10 years. And I’m still working every day to get better.
Your story matters to me. Your organization’s story matters to us. Let’s start with deep listening in the coming year and see where our stories take us.