Storytelling as a Leadership Tool

The smell of ink on paper fills the room as people take notes, and the only sounds are of the slight scratch of their pens, the steady breathing of the audience, and the speaker at the front of the room. No one dares avert their attention as the words flow out of him, captivating people of all ages and from all backgrounds. People are starting to gather at the back of the room, as there are no seats left to be taken, but no one seems to mind. They take in the information like it’s the very oxygen they breathe, needing more and more. What could be so special about this speaker? How does he draw people in so easily?

It’s not that the information is revolutionary. No, in fact, he’s not even the first person to speak on it today. But it’s the way he presents the information that has people lining up outside the door and trying to squeeze their way in. It doesn’t feel like they’re learning, but that’s exactly what they’re doing. His voice is soothing, but it’s the stories he tells that has the audience so captivated. They laugh when they’re supposed to, they sit in silence as the speaker pauses to let a point sink in, and they understand the material because they can relate to his words. 

What the man at the front of the room understands with no uncertainty is that there is power in storytelling. His impact will go far beyond the material that he describes. He doesn’t just know the information inside and out, but he knows how to deliver it. He can drive the point home in a way that is easy to comprehend, easy to apply, and easy to pass on to others. That is the impact of his words; that is his legacy. That is his greatest leadership tool.

In The Healing Power of Storytelling, the authors write, “Facts alone do not have the power to inspire action. Stories are the language of the heart, the currency of humanity, the drivers of change.” Storytelling is effective in every industry. It helps create connection and clarity, which allows people to absorb the information more easily and relate it to their own lives. Instead of giving a lengthy report to your team, try presenting the information in the form of a story. Give examples of the material, explain the impact, and truly let it sink in for the listener before you send them on their way. This also applies to your marketing efforts. Don’t just sell your product or service, but instead, sell the story behind it. Storytelling is not just a pastime activity; it’s the strategic edge you’ve been looking for in your business.

Jody understands this deeply, and “Storyselling” is one of his keynote speeches. If you are ready to become a master storyteller and become the leader that you would follow, see how our online training and in person coaching opportunities can help you get to where you want to be.

-Meghan Slaughter