Sometimes, the universe has a funny way of writing the introduction to your own story. You walk into a room to discuss objectives and outcomes, armed with notes and a clear agenda, only to have life present you with a lesson far more profound than the one you planned to teach.
I was recently preparing to give a workshop called “Motivational Skills Using Stories to Unlock Motivation.” The core idea is something I feel deeply about: that raw data, targets, and KPIs can only take a team so far. True, lasting motivation is kindled by something far more human. It’s sparked by narrative, by understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. For a manager, a story isn’t just an anecdote; it’s a bridge. It’s the tool that transforms a goal from a number on a spreadsheet into a shared journey. It builds empathy, clarifies purpose, and connects people on a level that directives and deadlines simply cannot reach.
This was the topic I was set to discuss in a preliminary meeting with the Deputy General Manager of Sales at Al Nisr Al Arabi Insurance. We were there to align on the workshop’s goals for his team. As we exchanged greetings in his office, the air became thick with that peculiar sense of déjà vu. A mutual glance, a pause a little too long. We’ve met before, haven’t we?
I couldn’t shake it. The feeling was too strong to ignore. “I’m sorry,” I interrupted our professional discussion, “but I feel like I know you from somewhere.”
And so began the guessing game. Was it a previous company? A mutual acquaintance? Each suggestion was a dead end. We continued mapping out the training, but the question hung in the air between us. Then, a moment of sudden, brilliant clarity. It wasn’t the face, not exactly. It was the way he laughed at a passing comment, the familiar cadence in his speech. It was an echo from a quarter of a century ago.
University. We were friends at university, 25 years ago.
The realization washed over both of us. The formal office setting melted away, replaced by a flood of memories, of a time and place that shaped us. What a fantastic, unexpected surprise. It was a powerful reminder that our stories are long, winding, and beautifully interconnected in ways we can never anticipate.
The workshop itself was infused with this newfound energy. But I had one more surprise. During the session, I paused and put a photo up on the screen. It was a grainy group picture from 25 years back. University students, grinning at the camera, all having made a pact to wear red that day. The room filled with surprise and laughter as they spotted their manager, a younger version frozen in time.
That moment did more to explain the power of storytelling than any slide in my presentation could.
It wasn’t just about the nostalgia. It was about connection. It was a story that instantly built a bridge between a manager and his team, revealing a shared history and a human side. These are the coincidences that make life so rich. They aren’t just pleasantries; they are potent reminders of our own journeys, our shared pasts, and the threads that connect us. They bring with them a warmth and a load of memories that can refuel us in an instant.
It was truly great reconnecting with you, Alaa. The energy and interactivity from you and your team were a testament to the fact that the best motivation doesn’t come from a manual, but from the genuine, human stories we share.
