I think this statement speaks volumes to the nature of the human being. From the beginning of history man has pasted down information and knowledge from generation to generation via the story. Storytelling is the best way to convey information as the act of story telling triggers the visual and emotional senses that embed the information in the mind heart and soul.
I agree with you Future Dr. Smith! Three of the texts we've read thus far, A Whole New Mind, Leading with Soul, and Reframing Organizations, talk about the art of story telling and how vital it is to an organization and/or the passing down of information.
ReplyDeleteThe best example I can think of is the greatest story that continues to be passed down from generation to generation . . . of course I am speaking of the Bible. The Bible is a simply (not down-playing the Word of God) a collection of stories. And within the Bible, Jesus often spoke in parables/stories to ensure His message was recieved. And it is those parables/stories that I remeber best.
What is it about story telling that intrigues us and captivates us. Keeps us all hanging at the edge of our feet as we listen to the story teller tell what happens next. There is something about story telling that has a strong human connection. Logic is logic, at times difficult to understand. But story telling testifies of something that can be related to. You can connect with the story teller through his or her story, you can't do that with logic. Logic is far removed at times from the realities of life.
ReplyDeleteFor the intellectual, logic may spark an interest. But for the rest of the masses a story may captivate the soul and inspire depending on its content.
As a teacher I used to love story time. The kids loved it as well. It was their opportunity to listen and be as imaginative as the story allowed them to be.
If you want human connections you must lead with a story. I really think you get better results.
I agree with you Jason and greatly appreciate Krista's comment. Stories are vital to grow and develop as leaders. They can be stories that we experience or other people's stories that help us to experience without actually being there. Most importantly, stories can guide and shape us into better people.
ReplyDeleteIn church this morning I was inspired by a story from our pastor that I feel significantly changed my life. I feel stories are very important!
I think through storytelling you are to relate and creat a better mental picture of what the author is trying to say - not to mention for me atleast - it makes it easier to remember ;)))
ReplyDeleteStorytelling is a lost art, and I am happy we are once again focusing on storytelling as leaders. I think stories, analagies, personal experiences humanize us to those we lead. It gives us an opportunity to teach without sounding to "teachy."
ReplyDeleteJason - Love the background on your blog!
I agree. I think that's why I really enjoyed reading Leading with Soul.
ReplyDeleteStories help us create word pictures. They help us learn, even without realizing we are learning!
ReplyDeleteI use story in my conversations with my students who may be making choices that are not in their best interest. The use of story helps to bring a personal element to a problem or a situation that may have complex solutions. Story can be away to pass on the torch of leadership from generation to generation. Story for me serves as the glue that binds the commonalities of our culture and lays the foundation for who we have been; who we are now; and who we as a human race hope to be.
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