Effective communication is the glue that holds everything together in any organization.
We see the advantages of strong and excellent communication skills when leaders possess them – and the downside when they don’t in our international practice.
Effective communication is the key to building strong relationships, creating a positive work environment, and achieving desired results. That’s why good communication skills are critical for leaders – they’re the backbone of any thriving workplace.
But good communication goes beyond good verbal and nonverbal signals. Most leaders know the basics like, positive body language – like maintaining eye contact, active listening, and facial expressions. However, as workplaces become more complex, traditional or standard communication skills are no longer enough.
According to Accenture’s Global Disruption Index, the overall level of disruption from 2017 to 2022 has doubled. This is in comparison with a mere 4% rise in the level of disruption in the preceding five years. Communication is much needed, yet another survey by McKinsey revealed that this core leadership skill, was one of the lowest scoring, at 52 out of a hundred.
With a higher need for leaders to manage complex changes, leaders need to leverage one of the most important skills in effective communication – storytelling.
Why Leaders Need Leadership Storytelling?
Storytelling is one of the most powerful communication skills. It allows leaders to contextualize abstract concepts, such as organizational values or strategic objectives, in a way that captures the minds and hearts of their audience.
Instead of presenting dry facts and figures, leaders can use storytelling to breathe life into their messages, making them more relatable and compelling. This approach not only helps to reinforce key messages but also fosters a sense of connection and shared purpose among team members.
Moreover, storytelling enables leaders to communicate with authenticity and transparency.
By sharing personal anecdotes and experiences, leaders can demonstrate vulnerability and humility, signaling to their teams that they are approachable and empathetic. This level of authenticity fosters open communication and encourages employees to voice their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
Being a good storyteller equates to being a leader with excellent communication skills. Communication skills teamed with leadership storytelling skills result in powerful and persuasive communication.
In this blog post, we explore the ways you can leverage storytelling to become a leader who has effective and excellent communication skills, achieving more cohesive workplaces and organizational success.
What is Leadership Storytelling?
“You can have the best technology, you can have the best business model, but if the storytelling isn’t amazing, it won’t matter. Nobody will watch.”
-Executive Chairman of Amazon, Jeff Bezos
Esther Choy, founder of StoryLab and an author, “defines leadership storytelling as “the strategic sequencing of facts and emotions.” By strategically sequencing facts and emotions, storytellers need to first consider the audience’s needs and what they will find persuasive.
As the only Level 3 Leadership StoryLab facilitator in Singapore, I often remind leaders – that the key to effective and smooth communication is to be audience-centric.
As previously mentioned in my blog post Effective Communication Skills for Managers in the Workplace and How to Improve Them, “People are naturally driven by emotions, and stories have an unmatched capability of captivating far more than statistics or figures. Harnessing the power to craft a gripping narrative is an invaluable asset that will help you get people on board, form strong relationships, and build trust with your people.”
By utilizing compelling stories that appeal to people’s emotions, you can turn this tool into a powerful way to interest any audience, including clients, customers, and team members, in listening and understanding your message. This is what effective communication is about.
Discover the power of leadership storytelling.
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Why Storytelling Matters in Leadership: The Science and Psychology Behind It
In the article from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning entitled: The Science Behind the Art of Storytelling, Lani Peterson stated that “Storytelling has the power to engage, influence, teach and inspire listeners.”
This statement holds a significant truth, especially in the professional setting. The art of storytelling has proven to be a powerful tool that can work wonders in communicating effectively and overcoming poor communication in the workplace.
But how do you know when the storytelling is effective?
According to NPR, while listening to a story, your brain waves will begin to match the storyteller. It means there’s an alignment happening between brains. When we straighten our backs, focus our gaze, and lend our ears to the storyteller, something is happening inside the mind.
Telling compelling stories is that powerful.
In storytelling, you cried not just because the story was sad, you laughed not just because it was funny, and you felt the adrenaline not just because it was thrilling but because your brain waves were aligning with the storyteller.
When the storyteller’s mind synchronizes with yours, that’s the moment where you can feel how they do. That is why leaders must have this skill; it opens a wide range of areas that leaders can reach in people.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, leadership storytelling significantly increases staff buy-in and workforce engagement inside an organization.
It is an acquired ability that enables leaders to communicate their goals to people and change their perspectives by presenting fresh concepts and discarding old ones.
As a storyteller, if you already have the power to sync the mind of the one listening, think about how much ability it will give to a leader with such skill. They can sync the minds of their team with them as well.
Crafting Compelling Narratives: How to Tell Stories That Connect, Motivate, and Drive Results
The toughest barriers can be broken down; a good story can melt the fiercest resistance. Why? Because everyone enjoys a good narrative. Powerful storytelling skills can be equated to good communication.
At its core, storytelling taps into our innate human need for narrative structure and meaning-making. From ancient myths passed down through generations to the latest blockbuster films, stories shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.
They provide context, offer insights, and instill values, making complex ideas more accessible and relatable.
Moreover, stories possess the unique ability to bridge gaps between individuals and communities, transcending verbal communication alone. Through the subtle nuances of nonverbal communication, eye contact, and body language, storytellers can convey emotions, intentions, and connections that words alone may not fully capture.
By sharing experiences, perspectives, and aspirations, storytellers create a sense of empathy and shared humanity.
In an increasingly interconnected world, this empathetic connection is essential for fostering understanding, tolerance, and collaboration across diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Anyone can tell a story, but not everyone can tell stories that resonate with audiences, elicit strong feelings, and inspire action.
Here are a few tips on how to create appealing stories:
1. Begin with the End in Mind
A term made famous by Stephen Covey, the first step in storytelling is to know the “Why” of your story. Your answer to your “why” will be the basis of how to pick your facts and emotions strategically. Having a clear goal will also prevent you from choosing irrelevant stories that would distract your audience.
Ultimately, the message embedded in your story must be relevant, impactful, and sometimes, educational. Designing a story with your audience in mind is when excellent communication skills transpire.
Action:
- Before crafting your story, clearly define the message or takeaway you want your audience to grasp. This will guide your selection of facts and emotions, ensuring relevance and impact.
2. Understand Your Audience’ Preferences
This is a crucial step in making sure that you will be able to connect to your audiences. Are your audience visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners? Are they technical or abstract? Do they prefer personal stories or industry case studies?
Design stories that will connect deeply with your audience. The purpose of stories is to impact your audience and move them towards action, so your audience is the priority; your stories must always be about them, not you.
Action:
- Take the time to learn about your audience’s learning styles, interests, and preferences. Tailor your stories to resonate deeply with them, fostering stronger connections and engagement. When there are responses, practice active listening and consider their thoughts.
3. Use a Tested-and-Proven Structure
A confusing story achieves nothing. Leverage a structure to keep the storyline flowing smoothly and coherently. In the Leadership Storytelling Course, I show leaders ways to ensure their stories flow from beginning to end. Not one that will leave them perplexed and uninterested. With a proven structure, storytelling is simple for anyone.
Action:
- Implement a structured approach to storytelling to maintain coherence and flow. This could include frameworks like the hero’s journey or a three-act structure, ensuring your narrative is compelling and easy to follow.
4. Perfect Isn’t Relatable
Highlight some struggles, and it’s okay. People love relatable stories, but some transparency is powerful here. Do not be afraid to show the hard times, the low valleys, and the darkest moments.
It helps people see that it is normal to go through something like that and makes them feel less alone, especially those people in that season. That is when they know that your stories are authentic and not told to model perfection but to show the true situations.
Action:
- Incorporate relatable elements into your stories by highlighting challenges or setbacks you’ve faced. This authenticity fosters empathy and connection with your audience, making your message more impactful and memorable.
5. Drop the Jargon
One of the things Leadership Storytelling – Get to Yes will teach you is to turn complex things into simple ones through storytelling. No one wants to hear stories that feel like a statistics class. People view stories as something that is engaging, exciting, and interesting.
Make sure that you keep your story simple and understandable, not intimidating or even confusing. Simplicity is powerful. Keep your stories simple and your communication will be clear.
Action:
- Simplify complex concepts and avoid using technical language that may alienate or confuse your audience. Focus on conveying your message in a clear, straightforward manner, making it accessible and engaging for everyone.
Our Leadership Storytelling – Get to Yes online course will help you smoothly build trustworthiness and express your distinct value succinctly without feeling overwhelmed. Click here to check out the course.
Benefits of Storytelling for Leaders
Harnessing the power of leadership storytelling isn’t just a communication strategy. It’s a transformative force that can elevate individuals and organizations to new heights.
There are many benefits of utilizing leadership storytelling for effective and clear communication:
Ensure Clear Communication
Complexities can arise frequently. Therefore, it is crucial to set communication goals and develop strategies that enable effective communication, even for complex topics. Storytelling simplifies complex messages and improves clarity.
Increase Engagement and Productivity
Elevating engagement and productivity requires an active attitude. Incorporating interactive workshops and collaborative platforms can enhance involvement and productivity. Consider it as crafting a narrative around tasks, a compelling story captures attention, simplifies intricacies, and stimulates heightened engagement and productivity.
Leveraging leadership storytelling not only increases engagement and productivity but also cultivates a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. By harnessing the inherent power of narrative, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and propel their organizations toward success.
Ensure Efficient Use of Meetings
By strategically limiting meeting durations and emphasizing clear communication, teams not only reclaim valuable time but also foster a culture of thoughtful preparation and engagement. The result is a more productive and joyous work environment, allowing leaders and their teams to immerse themselves in meaningful tasks and continuous learning.
Check out a part of my book, Leaders People Love, which underscores the transformative power of streamlining meeting processes.
Navigate Difficult Transitions with Ease
Managing transitions in the workplace can be challenging, but communicating effectively and teamwork are the keys to success. Many times changes are difficult when people don’t understand the vision.
By leveraging leadership storytelling to improve your communication skills, you can break the idea down into understandable parts, ensure that your team is on the same page, and work together toward a productive and harmonious work environment.
Establish a Trust as a Leadership Brand
Establishing trust in the workplace is crucial for effective teamwork and a positive work environment. Unfortunately, many people struggle with trust issues that can hinder productivity and collaboration.
That is why ‘lack of trust’ from Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of Teams, remains the biggest dysfunction we see across teams.
But one very effective way to build trust is storytelling. By sharing personal experiences and emotional stories that resonate with your team, you can create a sense of connection and authenticity that can help build trust.
To start, discover your values.
For more details, refer to Chapter 8.2. Trust as a Leadership Brand in Leaders People Love.
Communicate Your Value Comfortably and Succinctly
Through leadership storytelling, you can express your values without feeling odd and without your people feeling like you are imposing your points and innovative ideas on them. This skill will help you communicate your values effectively without awkwardness and discomfort.
For specific training on communicating your value, check out our Leadership Storytelling Online Course.
Transform your Leadership
Your personal life reflects on the leadership at work. Therefore, it is important to master techniques and know what people want and how to give to them. People love hearing stories that appeal to their emotions; this will help you transform your leadership and improve your communication skills.
Conclusion
As a manager or leader, it’s important to remember that excellent communication skills are key to success. Storytelling is a potent tool to help you connect with your audience, motivate your team, and drive results.
Storytelling is a skill worth honing for anyone seeking to communicate effectively, influence others, and make a meaningful impact.
By crafting compelling narratives and understanding the science and psychology behind storytelling, you can establish trustworthiness, communicate your value, and create a compelling vision for your team.
Improve your communication skills and leadership through Leadership Storytelling – Get to Yes. This online course will teach you how to use strategic storytelling to improve communication and gain more deal, synchronization, and YES from your audience.
You might find that this is the innovation you have been looking for to help you with mastering effective communication skills, and storytelling ability that enhances your personal and professional life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Take advantage of Chuen Chuen’s extensive experience coaching leaders worldwide. Her deep expertise in designing agile leadership corporate training will benefit your teams. No matter which stage of leadership you are at, we’ll partner with you and meet your business needs.
Explore our executive coaching programs, and corporate training courses. You can also hire Chuen Chuen as your speaker at events so that your organization will become agile, adaptive, and future-resilient.
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