Four Essentials Every Leader Should Have in Their Repertoire
Stephen Denning asks every storyteller one simple but powerful question: What is the purpose of your story? That question gets to the heart of relevance—not only the relevance of the story itself, but also of how and when it is told. Finding the answer becomes much easier once you understand the different motivations behind the stories we tell. For managers and leaders, it is worthwhile to keep at least four distinct storytelling purposes in mind. Denning identifies four corresponding categories of stories that every leader should add to their storytelling repertoire: Springboard Stories, Leadership Stories, Value Stories, and Knowledge Stories. Springboard Stories Springboard Stories open the door to change. They help leaders communicate new ideas, ambitious goals, and compelling visions more effectively. By painting a vivid picture of a positive future, they invite audiences to imagine themselves in that future and inspire them to help make it a reality. These stories provide the sp...
