Story-sharing for change
We’ve been helping leaders source, shape and share stories that illustrate key messages associated with organisational change for over a decade, it is a big part of our Sketch Speak work. Here’s an overview of what leadership story-sharing is, why it is helpful and some tips on where to start.
What is personal story-sharing for change?
Personal story-sharing is a process in which individuals and groups within an organisation share their personal experiences and stories with the intention of creating positive change. This type of storytelling is raw, vulnerable, and genuine. It is rooted in the speaker’s personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives, and is often shared in a conversational tone rather than a polished or rehearsed performance. In contrast, “sage on the stage” presentations are often highly structured, formal, and rehearsed, with an emphasis on delivering a specific message or lesson to the audience.
The key difference between the two is that personal story sharing is focused on connecting with the audience on a deeper, more emotional level, while polished presentations prioritise delivering information in a clear and concise manner. Personal story sharing is not about being perfect or having all the answers, but about being honest and vulnerable, and sharing the speaker’s unique perspective and experiences with others. It is an invitation to the audience to connect with the speaker as a person, rather than just a presenter.
We often work with our Sketch Speak partner Guy Downes to help teams create rich pictures or journey maps. These custom drawn images use visual storytelling and metaphors to bring key topics into focus. Leaders and teams can use these artefacts together with their own personal stories to spark discussion around important messages.
Why stories help lead change
Stories can create a shared understanding and emotional connection between people, which is crucial for building trust and engagement. Here are some reasons why stories are useful in leading change:
- Change often involves complex ideas and information that can be difficult to understand. Stories can help to simplify and clarify these ideas, making them more accessible and easier to understand.
- Stories evoke emotions and create a connection between people. When we hear a story, we become emotionally engaged and more likely to remember the message.
- Stories have the power to inspire action. When we hear a story about someone who has overcome a challenge, we are more likely to feel motivated to take action ourselves.
- When we share stories with others, we create a sense of trust and connection. This is especially important when leading change, as it helps to build buy-in and support for the change initiative.
What makes a good story?
What makes a good story, and how can you use storytelling to achieve your goals? Here are five key principles to keep in mind when crafting your narrative.
- Focus your tale (Purpose) – Every story needs a clear and compelling reason for being told. Whether you’re looking to inspire, educate, entertain, or persuade, you need to be clear about what you want your audience to take away from your story.
- Put them in the picture (Hero) – To create a sense of connection and empathy with your audience, your story needs a protagonist that your listeners can relate to and care about. This could be a customer, colleague, stakeholder, or even yourself, but it should be someone who embodies the message you are trying to convey.
- Let things unfold (Structure) – A well-structured story has a beginning, middle, and end, and takes the listener on a journey that resolves the conflict at the heart of the narrative. A simple three-part structure (Situation, Complication, Resolution) can work well, but be sure to include a link back to the business context and a clear call to action.
- Leave Space for making meaning (Space) – It’s important to leave room for your audience to make their own meaning out of your story. Too much detail can get in the way of the listener’s imagination, so give them just enough information to create a vivid mental picture of the narrative.
- Keep it Snappy (Duration) – Finally, remember that attention spans are short, and people are more likely to remember a story that is concise and to the point. Aim for a story length of between 2 and 5 minutes, and be sure to rehearse your narrative so that you can deliver it with confidence and clarity.
Sourcing, shaping and sharing stories is a powerful way to inspire, clarify, and align teams in pursuing meaningful change. By using personal stories, success stories, and shared stories, leaders can create an emotional connection with their teams, build trust and engagement, and ultimately drive a positive workplace or team culture.
To find out more about how to upskill your leaders in story-sharing, reach out to us via info@soji.com.au.