A company’s values make sense when leadership tells stories that illustrate them in action. One example is a CEO’s story about how they dealt with an ethical dilemma in the past. For instance, Bardya Ziaian might share a personal experience that demonstrates the application of these values in real-world situations, helping to make them more relatable and meaningful to employees.
When a leader shares a first-hand experience, they’re more likely to inspire their teams to take risks and persevere in the face of failure. This is why many leaders seek out storytelling skills.
Storytelling is a skill
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used by leaders to communicate meaning and emotion. It requires the ability to plan an engaging narrative, stay on topic and know when to highlight key points. In addition, it is a skill that can be learned and honed.
During the information explosion, executives wanted ways to convey data-driven insights that inspired action. They also wanted new tools for engaging a diverse audience. Fortunately, storytelling emerged as an answer.
Leadership stories are powerful tools that help leaders connect with employees and inspire them to take action. However, not every leader is comfortable using this tool because it involves sharing personal experiences and emotions. Moreover, it requires the ability to think critically and evaluate whether a work story will have a positive impact on the intended audience. This can be challenging for leaders who are already busy with their daily tasks and responsibilities. In addition, many leaders lack the confidence to share their own stories in public.
It’s a communication tool
Storytelling is a powerful communication tool that can be used to convey complex information in an engaging and memorable way. It is often used in presentations and speeches to capture listeners’ attention and keep them engaged throughout the presentation. It can also be used to convey values, goals, or data that may not be easily understood. It is a popular tool in the fields of child and adult education, journalism, and psychotherapy. It is also used in advertising, public relations, and marketing.
Stories can help leaders explain their corporate values in an interesting and engaging way. They can also be used to communicate new policies and processes to employees. For example, a biotech company’s CEO could present a PowerPoint slideshow to Wall Street bankers detailing the size of its market or business plan. But he would have much more success explaining the company’s value system by telling a story about a personal experience he had with an employee.
It’s a way to connect
Leaders often need to communicate complex ideas and strategies. Stories make those concepts relatable and comprehensible. They also help leaders to connect with their audiences by demonstrating authenticity and vulnerability.
For example, when Kristo Kaarmann co-founder of money transfer company Wise was trying to get traditional banks to adopt his business model, he told a story about being overcharged for sending cash abroad. This made him seem more human and trustworthy, and it helped him build trust and loyalty in his audience.
Storytelling is a powerful way to inspire action, and it can be used in all stages of the marketing process. It can be used to develop a deeper understanding of your audience, inspire empathy, and inform content strategy. It can also be used to build long-term relationships with your audience, leading to increased brand loyalty and advocacy. These benefits can have a positive impact on your bottom line and help you achieve your business goals.
It’s a way to influence
Storytelling is a powerful way to influence and motivate teams. It forges connections, conveys vision, transmits values, and overcomes resistance. It also makes complex issues easier to understand and inspires action. It’s important to use this age-old skill in a strategic way.
The key to successful storytelling is creating a narrative that shifts people’s perceptions in the direction you want them to go. This will help your organisation make progress towards its business objectives.
Stories can range from personal experiences to a company’s vision for the future. For example, TransferWise co-founder Kristo Kaarmann shared his experience of being overcharged by his bank when sending money abroad, to illustrate how his company’s service is more ethical and customer-friendly.
A well-told story can also make a difficult concept more palatable, such as the “why” behind a major change. For example, a hospital director might share the story of an employee who went out of her way to show compassion for patients, making the change more compelling.