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Storytelling is woven into the fabric of our culture. When I became involved in wildland fire training development, I was told that one of the most important aspects of the NWCG curriculum is the instructor's experience. Being able to tell our stories is a powerful teaching tool. Not everyone has the gift of storytelling, but nearly everyone has a story to tell.
Many years ago, I proposed a storytelling self-development tool for use by wildland firefighters. At that time, I was told another entity was working on a similar project. As with many initiatives, I don't think it came to fruition. It has been two years since presented the tool to blog readers, so here it is again:
“How-To” Suggestion:
- Download and read LILA Harvard University's Deborah Sole's and Daniel Gray Wilson’s "Storytelling in Organizations: The Power and Traps of Using Stories to Share Knowledge in Organizations" which can be found online at http://www.providersedge.com/docs/km_articles/Storytelling_in_Organizations.pdf
- Obtain and read the book Leadership Lessons from West Point from the Leader to Leader Institute. Authors of this publication set the example of using storytelling to bring very real leadership experiences to life.
- Research storytelling as a leadership development tool. A few printed and Internet resources are listed below as possible guides for your knowledge quest. (Supervisors: Consider adding storytelling references to your local leadership library.)
- Implement storytelling when communicating; use the information you have gained from your research.
- Document experiences where storytelling was used to handle a leadership challenge (bring about change, encourage teamwork, share knowledge, transmit the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles,etc.). Indicate whether the experience was effective or ineffective; if ineffective, document what could have been differently for future reference.
- Create a personal storytelling library for future use. Revisit your storytelling library to keep the information updated and relevant.
- Continually practice and improve your skill.
- Pay it forward. Share this leadership development tool with members of your crew; become a storytelling mentor.
Printed Resources:
Denning, Steve. The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. Jossey-Bass. April 2005.
Denning, Steve. The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. Jossey-Bass. April 2005.
- Addresses “how to use storytelling to deal with the most difficult challenges faced by leadership today” including:
- Motivate others to action
- Build trust in you
- Build trust in your company (branding)
- Transmit your values
- Get others working together
- Share knowledge
- Tame the grapevine
- Create and share your vision
- Solve the paradox of innovation
- Use narrative to transform your organization
- Addresses “the use of storytelling to address leadership challenges”
- How to bring about change
- How to communicate who you are
- How to transmit values
- How to foster collaboration
- How to stop rumors
- How to share knowledge
- This publication is the ultimate reference for using storytelling for leadership development.
- “In our classrooms, as in this book, we bring forth concepts and theory, relate stories from our own leadership endeavors, and help cadets make sense of their own experiences as they look toward the future. Throughout this book, we open a window into this world of leadership development that is the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point and share some of our candid reflections, compelling stories, best practices, and frontline ideas.” (Major Doug Crandall, xxvi)
http://groupprocessconsulting.com/images/uploads/Chapter_1.pdf
Stories from the Fireline can be a powerful self‑development tool. Effective use of the tool requires thought, organization, and practice.
- Addresses “six types of stories that will serve you well in your efforts to influence others”
- Who I Am Stories
- Why I Am Here Stories
- My Vision Story
- Teaching Stories
- Values in Action Stories
- "I Know what you are Thinking" Stories
Stories from the Fireline can be a powerful self‑development tool. Effective use of the tool requires thought, organization, and practice.
Thanks Pam. Very timely post for me. I look at leaders in my life, and especially those I want to emulate, the art of storytelling is so important. Whether they tell the story through their actions or by the words they speak, a leader must be a HONEST storyteller. If we would judge our current politicians in this manner, the choice is so clear.
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