As leaders a big part of our work is ensuring the know-why – fostering and sharing an understanding of work culture and values. This is a continuing, long-term co-creative process that does not happen overnight. An important part of this work is shaping and sharing stories, using the past as a shaper of the future to give meaning to events. As stories are told in the present, they become a partner in shaping the future.
To successfully change, it is important to understand the past as well as dream for the future. Storytelling as a method and tool has real power to foster dialogue, reveal culture and create a shared vision:
- Storytelling makes complex situations and phenomena accessible and provides details that can be used to build action plans for change and improvement.
- Stories reveal values and principles embedded in a culture that are often hidden from the naked eye.
- Stories make visible driving forces for change that are not revealed when direct questions are asked.
- Stories provides a platform for understanding different perspectives. It breaks down barriers and builds bridges of trust.
- Stories highlight turning points that can be used to facilitate innovation and change.
Through storytelling and dialog, we strengthen structure, identity and culture. It is how we tell our story.
Investigations of a Dog 
8 thoughts on “Storytelling and Leaders”