Lead with a story : a guide to crafting business narratives that captivate, convince, and inspire

Author

• Smith, Paul

Additional Author(s)

-

Publisher

New York: Amacom, 2012

Language

English

ISBN

9780814420300

Series

Subject(s)

• COMMUNICATION IN MANAGEMENT
• LEADERSHIP
• ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
• STORYTELLING

Notes

. . Index: p. 276-280

Abstract

Storytelling has come of age in the business world. Today, many of the most successful companies use storytelling as a leadership tool. At Nike, all senior executives are designated "corporate storytellers." 3M banned bullet points years ago and replaced them with a process of writing "strategic narratives." Procter & Gamble hired Hollywood directors to teach its executives storytelling techniques. Some forward-thinking business schools have even added storytelling courses to their management curriculum. The reason for this is simple: stories have the ability to engage an audience the way logic and bullet points alone never could. Whether you are trying to communicate a vision, sell an idea, or inspire commitment, storytelling is a powerful business tool that can mean the difference between mediocre results and phenomenal success. "Lead with a Story" contains both ready-to-use stories and how-to guidance for readers looking to craft their own. Designed for a wide variety of business challenges, the book shows how narrative can help: define culture and values; engender creativity and innovation; foster collaboration and build relationships; provide coaching and feedback; lead change; and more. Whether in a speech or a memo, communicated to one person or a thousand, storytelling is an essential skill for success. Complete with examples from companies like Kellogg's, Merrill-Lynch, Procter & Gamble, National Car Rental, Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, and more, this practical resource gives readers the guidance they need to deliver stories to stunning effect.

Physical Dimension

Number of Page(s)

vii, 280 p.

Dimension

24 cm.

Other Desc.

-

Summary / Review / Table of Content

Why tell stories? --
Set a vision for the future --
Set goals and build commitment --
Lead change --
Make recommendations stick --
Define customer service success and failure --
Structure of a story --
Define the culture --
Establish values --
Encourage collaboration and build relationships --
Value diversity and inclusion --
Set policy without rules --
Keep it real --
Stylistic elements --
Inspire and motivate --
Build courage --
Help others find passion for their work --
Appeal to emotion --
The element of surprise --
Teach important lessons --
Provide coaching and feedback --
Demonstrate problem solving --
Help everyone understand the customer --
Metaphors and analogies --
Delegate authority and give permission --
Encourage innovation and creativity --
Sales is everyone's job --
Earn respect on day one --
Recast your audience into the story --
Getting started.

Exemplar(s)

#	Accession No.	Call Number	Location	Status
1.	00678/14	658.45 Smi L	Library - 7th Floor	Available