Powerful Storytelling: Stories That Lead Individuals to Action with Carlene Szostak

Upon completion of this training, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the use and value of storytelling in leading and motivating others.
• Operate a personal inventory of useful skills to frame and control arguments as well as influence individual and team outcomes.
• Practice and apply storytelling techniques to create/shape their own memorable stories successfully and shift emphasis based on immediate tactical feedback.

The ability to clearly communicate and motivate timely action is considered the single most important skill set of a successful project manager. Research indicates the “art” of storytelling in a business setting is a key component of successful leadership—up, down, and across the organization. 

Industry leaders understand the importance of breaking through the business “noise” by using storytelling to rewrite the rules of communication. The workplace is saturated with tasks driven by deadlines. And yet, it is only the emotions an individual experiences that lead to creating motivation and driving successful outcomes. Enhancing organizational performance while ensuring emotional engagement requires mastering the art of painting verbal pictures—a skill known as storytelling.

We now understand that, in a business environment, relating only facts or time lines will typically be forgotten or misunderstood. The technique has been greatly discredited and is certainly not shown to be effective in today's complex workplace. Effective storytelling makes the message memorable, relevant, and easily shared. 

Attendees will learn how to use the power of stories to engage, inspire, and produce results. Stories spark the listener’s deeper understanding and help them grasp and remember the message. In addition, good stories will inspire listeners and help them retain action items with greater detail than just being handed facts.