Once you’ve realized why it is important to tell stories, we offer you five alternatives to compelling stories from Ariel Group. Use the power of storytelling to communicate your values, inspire confidence, and galvanize the people around you to take action.
- The story of what has changed since the last time a particular situation was discussed. Describe the changes. Emphasize recommendations on what to do next. Focusing on this topic requires a consistent and persuasive narrative, without relying too much on graphs and charts to deliver the corporate message.
- The story “Who are we”. A leader’s job does not end with sharing who is he. The next step is to help the organization by supporting the team to accept its essence. People in the team need to understand if they can work together, what unites them, why they want to be a part of it, and the company’s values. A proof for a “Who we are”-story done well is the enhanced desire of employees to get involved in the organization’s concepts. A sign of efficiency is also the activation of the basic human needs for belonging, for being part of something bigger.
- “What We’ve Learned” story. The majority of leaders today will soon be retired. Organizations are concerned about this “brain drain” and the reinforcement of the leadership connection. A way to preserve the intellectual potential in the organization is to narrate “What we’ve learned” stories. They help onboard new employees in the organizational culture faster, enable easy adoption of corporate policies. And most important – pass the wisdom from one generation of leaders to the next.
- The story “Why we change”. This story answers the questions asked in situations of high complexity and transformation. When others wonder what is going on; why should we change if things are okay; and what will happen if we do not change? How will this amendment help us make more money, how will it improve our relationships or health? This type of story not only convinces people that change is inevitable and shows why it is a key to survival.
- The story “How to see things differently and improve our lives, work, the world.” A key competence for a leader is the ability to dream, to build visions and strategies. People and communities can achieve great things when they understand what success looks like. Because of this, the story of the different visions is probably the most compelling corporate story for any manager. This story should be told with a lot of passion, consistently, clearly enough, and with a high dose of understanding.
Which story to choose and cover depends on the situation, on the reasons and goals behind it. If you know how you can excite, you are halfway there. Find the balance between emotion and reason, and you can write business history with your story.
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