Show, don't tell

Meet Phil. He’s a hard-working scientist working in Pharma who values teamwork and is always there for his team. Yawn.

Or meet Emily. On Thanksgiving Day, you’ll find her not in her comfy home, but at her office. Or more precisely, in her office’s parking garage, sleeping in the backseat, where she always keeps a plush sleeping bag and pillow.

That’s because Emily’s regularly at the office by 6 am and leaves late at night. Always there to help her frantic colleagues, she’s pulled into endless conference calls putting out fires. Sometimes, she’ll even be in two meetings at the same time, with a phone near each ear!

When her puffy panda eyes feel too heavy and she can barely keep them up, even after coffee, she’ll retreat to her car to recharge, then come back, ready to pump up and help her coworkers.

What makes Emily’s story more compelling and memorable than Phil’s? 

We can all agree that Emily is hard-working and values teamwork, even though I never told you directly. I showed you. 

How can you use “show, don’t tell” in your next high-stakes meeting?

Thanks for caring!

With gratitude,

Anwell Tsai