We are often asked; "What do stories have to do with change management?" From our point of view, story is a meta-level concept and touches every part of who we are. The stories we tell to ourselves and the world around us shape our relationship to the world and the way the world relates to us. Stories provide hope, a way forward, a laugh, tenderness, solace, forgiveness and protection from the 'great unknown'. We are indeed made of story. Our knowledge of ourselves and the world we live in is held in stories - when the stories change, so do our experiences.
In our style of change management, we help evaluate and then craft the stories of individuals and organisations, especially the stories of identity, the past, the present and the future in a way that is stimulating, empowering and engaging. This is because we engage organisational participants in crafting the new story, thus achieving buy-in While our approach is unique to each situation and client, in summary this is what we do:
- We listen to the stories using informal story circles with up to 12 participants at a time
- We provide feedback on the stories using facilitation techniques
- We explore how the stories may be shifted to become more inspirational, interesting and rewarding - this is often done by experimenting with new metaphors, language and memes
- The new stories are measured against certain 'story audit criteria' that evaluate elements such as impact, ethos, pathos, logos etc.
- Stories of the past that involve pain may be dealt with using ritual that facilitates closure and understanding.
- We select certain key stories and find innovative ways of transforming them into reality using different media - this creates powerful reminders of the story going forward and stimulates desired behaviours.
This approach can be used to lead change in communities, product & brand management, KM, conflict management, OD & 'Culture Change' work.
Are you the author of the stories you tell? Would you like to be? (c)opyright Storytelling.co.za
