LEAD WITH A STORY

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.