In previous idealawg posts, I have presented and applauded the benefits of storytelling in managing, marketing, resolving disputes, and other activities of lawyers and firms. Last week, Kevin Eikenberry in Kevin's Blog interviewed the author of a brand new book Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over: How Organizations Use Stories to Drive Results. In "Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over" the first part of three interview installments, Kevin asks author Lori Silverman what caused her to write the book, the results she uncovered in doing so, and why stories are so powerful in organizations. Silverman includes some numerical data in her responses; take a look at what she said by clicking over to the interview.
In the second installment "More with Lori Silverman" she responds to Eikenberry's questions about the most valuable use of stories, how to use stories to be a more effective leader, and how stories relate to organizational culture. In this installment she describes five processes in the use of story within organizations.
[F]ind existing stories, dig into them to uncover hidden patterns and themes, select those stories that need to be reinforced, craft memorable stories, and embody stories to positively impact people's attitudes, thoughts and behaviors.
In the final part of the interview "Finishing Up on Story Telling with Lori Silverman" Silverman relates what's next for her and stories.
As a business strategist, some of my current work is with leaders who are interested in weaving story into the fabric of their organizations. I have developed an assessment framework that helps them to identify places to strategically leverage the use of story for business impact, making it a way of life.
Last week I submitted a review of Silverman's book to Law Practice. The review will be in the December edition; I will let you know when it goes online and pass along the link. [Note added later: here's the review.]
In a similar vein, you may download a free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Anecdote Circles ("A practical guide to facilitating story telling and story listening"). More about anecdotes and Anecdote Circles.
Note (added October 22, 2006, 1:40 PM Mountain): Because of the
success last week on Amazon of Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over: How Organizations Use Stories to Drive Results, Jossey-Bass sold global worldwide rights
to an audio version of the book which will be available in May 2007. I send
congratulations to Lori Silverman!
Stories also work within the context of corporate histories. In researching these projects, I listen to the stories people tell, find the themes, and use the stories to tell the history. The are so much more interesting than a simple chronology!
Posted by: Janet Raasch | October 23, 2006 at 10:21 AM
So true! Lori's book has a chapter entitled: "Why Are We Here? Stories That Define Us" with subsections such as Founding Stories Set the Stage and Leaving a Lasting Legacy.
Would love to learn more about your work in this area, Janet.
Posted by: StephanieWestAllen | October 23, 2006 at 10:31 AM