Storytelling as a manipulative comms tool
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LeanneWhite
Apr 12, 2011, 4:02:38 AM4/12/11
to The New Trade (crowdsourced book)
Hi Raf (and everyone)
Sometimes corporate stories are used as a manipulative tool within the
workplace, as well as to an organisation's market and stakeholders.
As you say, this is one platform (a marketing platform) from which
stories can gather momentum within an organisation.
One of the most effective ways that I have used stories within my own
workplace though, has been as a source of support and encouragement
for staff experiencing change - and who are faced with fears and
doubts about a way forward as a result of that change. The stories of
the journeys of other colleagues - people they know, who have been
through similar experiences and survived (and sometimes even embraced
the challenge of change and done very well) gives them courage to
'hang in there'. I find that they tell others about the story of
their colleague - and so the story goes as it's passed from one staff
member to another. The subject of the story (that colleague) rises to
hero status!
Likewise, we use stories as instructional pieces throughout the change
scenario - to talk about behaviours and to manage expectations.
I like the thought of stories used in this way - almost like parables,
to encourage, support, comfort and encourage.
Sorry it's taken me so long to join in! I'm on board now!!
Sometimes corporate stories are used as a manipulative tool within the
workplace, as well as to an organisation's market and stakeholders.
As you say, this is one platform (a marketing platform) from which
stories can gather momentum within an organisation.
One of the most effective ways that I have used stories within my own
workplace though, has been as a source of support and encouragement
for staff experiencing change - and who are faced with fears and
doubts about a way forward as a result of that change. The stories of
the journeys of other colleagues - people they know, who have been
through similar experiences and survived (and sometimes even embraced
the challenge of change and done very well) gives them courage to
'hang in there'. I find that they tell others about the story of
their colleague - and so the story goes as it's passed from one staff
member to another. The subject of the story (that colleague) rises to
hero status!
Likewise, we use stories as instructional pieces throughout the change
scenario - to talk about behaviours and to manage expectations.
I like the thought of stories used in this way - almost like parables,
to encourage, support, comfort and encourage.
Sorry it's taken me so long to join in! I'm on board now!!
Raf Stevens
Apr 15, 2011, 8:17:29 AM4/15/11
to the-new-trade-c...@googlegroups.com
Hi Leanne
Welcome. I am in Prague now giving a workshop together with @davidhenderson.
Next week 1 week family holiday.
Let me pick this up after my holidays.
All the best
Welcome. I am in Prague now giving a workshop together with @davidhenderson.
Next week 1 week family holiday.
Let me pick this up after my holidays.
All the best
Groeten,
Raf Stevens
___________________________
CORPORATE STORYTELLER
Vroonbaan 67 I 1880 Nieuwenrode I Belgium
M: +32 486 85 15 81
E: rafst...@me.com
I: www.corporatestoryteller.be
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