For tens of thousands of years, storytelling has been at the heart of individual and social change. Whether it’s in our own personal lives, organisations, communities or broader systems and cultures, story has the power to radically shift what we believe, how we relate and how we grow.
Read on to discover 5 ways to enhance your leadership by unlocking the power of storytelling.
1. It creates a sense of community and belonging.
Stories are the connective tissue of our lives. We’ve been telling them for tens of thousands of years in order to make meaning and unify around shared values and ideas. Research shows that stories stimulate oxytocin – the bonding hormone. When leaders use stories to share the background, values and culture of an organisation, people are more likely to connect with it, and feel a sense of belonging.
2. It helps people orient towards a goal or mission.
No one likes to be told to do something. But when we hear a story about the impact something can have, we are more likely to feel inspired to get involved. Stories colour in the picture of our vision. They ground it and make it accessible for all to contribute to.
3. It shows everyone who you are.
If I tell you a story about a challenge that I’ve had to navigate, or a “turning point” in my life, or some of the things I care about and why, then you’re more likely to feel empathy towards me. As leaders, we can show our authentic selves through storytelling and build healthy relationships. We can let ourselves be seen in real ways, rather than as merely the “boss” with one identity (after all, what’s inspiring about that?).
4. It can influence decision-making and make change happen.
Typically, we make decisions through our emotions. Similarly, change occurs when we feel connected to a cause or outcome. The great thing about stories is that they dwell in the emotional realm. They spark joy, anger, sadness, suspense and excitement. When we tell stories to illustrate the impact that a decision can have, we can spark a particular emotion and help shape the change we want to see.
5. It builds trust.
This links back to number 3 in that when we show people our authentic selves and are vulnerable with our other identities beyond “boss,” we build people’s trust in us. Importantly, we have to be able to “walk” the “talk” – so it’s not just a matter of telling an authentic story, but living into the story as well that makes a leader trustworthy.
