The CEO marched to the podium. The applause faded. The audience of 500 senior executives and middle managers listened as the CEO outlined the major change initiative. His grasp of the facts and details was amazing. Unfortunately, after 10 minutes of data, the audience drifted. The CEO lost them because he didn't know that broadcasting is not communicating. He didn't realize that to reach the mind one must go through the heart. He didn't appreciate the power of story to inspire, motivate, and encourage his leaders to commit to his message.
Do you? Do you employ the five key elements of effective storytelling to move your team?
The elements of effective storytelling were recently reviewed in Scientific American Mind and The Harvard Business Review (1, 2). The authors remind us that stories have a unique power to persuade and motivate because they appeal to our capacity for empathy. Here are several techniques to help you motivate your team using the power of story:
I encourage you to use these five keys of effective storytelling. How surprised will you be that you can inspire and motivate your team through the power of story?
Keep on stretching,Dave
1. Jeremy Hsu; The Secrets of Storytelling, Scientific American Mind, August/September 2008, 46 -- 51.2. Peter Guber; The Four Truths of the Storyteller, Harvard Business Review, December 2007, 53 -- 59.
Dave Jensen helps leaders manage ambiguity, gain buy-in to any change, improve decision-making, and achieve difficult goals in today’s complex, competitive, and conflicting environment. For a FREE Chapter or to purchase his newly released groundbreaking book that helps executives and managers develop business-boosting skills, The Executive's Paradox – How to Stretch When You're Pulled by Opposing Demands, or to receive his highly researched, yet practical leadership tips once a month, sign up for his free eZine (Dave’s microRaves), visit http://davejensenonleadership.com/