Origin Stories

Often we ask people "Where are you from?" What we are really doing is looking for common ground, "Oh, I have a friend that's also from Buffalo!"  Or we are seeking to understand her, "So you must be a Bills fan."  Our origin stories communicate the experiences and values that shape our worldview.

That is also true of organizations. I saw this ice axe displayed on the wall at my REI sporting goods store. It is a symbol of company's roots which started as a co-op to buy mountaineering equipment in 1935. You can read that story on their website here.

Sharing your organization's origin story communicates something important to your customers. Tell that story with an intention to connect over shared values.