The ways we tell stories
We "show, tell and feel" stories, using our auditory, visual and kinesthetic modes of giving and receiving information. Here are just a few of the storytelling approaches we might choose to use individually or in organizations:
• Visioning: "Painting the ideal scenario" in words, sounds or pictures;
• Journey Maps: Drawing stories, making a chronicle of our journey;
• Case studies and scenarios: Sharing examples of how things can or are being done;
• Informal storysharing: The proverbial "water cooler" chat, or internet threads, or lunch-time discussions;
• Marketing: Your organization's story, and how it's told to customers, employees or other stakeholders;
• Other communications: To help one group "tell their story," Ivy Sea presented a real-life scenario using a "once upon a time" storytelling format, which allowed people to get the distance they needed to see all perspectives of a sensitive situation without their own defense mechanisms rearing up. Another organization hired an acting troupe to "act out" the story as if it were a play, and invited audience members to share their responses to what they saw.
The modern-day relevance of stories
Regardless of the format we choose, stories help us see ourselves and others in safer ways, so we might take (or find) "the moral of the story" to heart without becoming defensive, or without taking it too personally. Stories are more real than "spin" or "jargon strings," they seem more believable, because they include specific people and heartful language; they have a beginning and an end and suggest evolution… "this is where we've been, and this is where we are now."
In the absence of unifying stories, people insert themselves into a story of their own making, and supply the missing pieces, from their own perspective. The result can be fragmentation, conflict, and a lack of compassion and understanding.
At their best, stories are unifying, thoughtful, truthful and well-told, helping us to connect the dots by providing the context individuals need to identify their place, role and purpose or key motivations.
• The Mouse & The Light — A Fable
• Stories for Inspiration and Discernment
• Stories for a Changing World
• Storytelling: How to tell a tale
• "A Look at Organizational Storytelling"
• Story Wise - Narrative Matters
• Storytelling - Passport to 21st Century
• Storytelling Foundation International
• "Stories Help Sell Business Cases"
• "Storytelling for Grown-Ups"
• Build Communities - Stories in healthcare
• Apple Seeds: Storytelling tidbits
• Useless Knowledge - Facts & Trivia
Please surf carefully and apply your findings mindfully! There's a lot of great information here on the web, but only you can decide what's appropriate for your group.
Want to recommend a site that you think is a good resource on this topic? Email us with the site address!
• Celebrating Independent Spirit
• Change and Communication
• Community and Dialogue
• Conflict and Communication
• Corporate Culture and Communication
• Ethics and Communication
• Leadership: Leading Virtual Teams
• Morale and Motivation
• Renewal and Transformation
• Right Relationships - Valuing People
• Social Responsibility
• Spirituality and the Workplace
• Storytelling: Unleash the Power!
• Strategy and Communication
• Vision, Inspiration & Creativity
— Encourage ambassadors to tell your organization's story
— Is your company story "old shoe?"
— Vision, inspiration and creativity portal
— Tips for working through writers block
— Prescribing Storytelling for Health
— Ivy Sea's Inspired Visioning Tip Series
