Finishing Up on Story Telling with Lori Silverman

Today we wrap up my interview with Lori Silverman, author of the new book Wake Me Up When the Data is Over.

Kevin: What's next for you and stories?

Lori: Good question! Throughout the interview process I had leaders ask me for activities and exercises to help them in using stories within their own work groups, departments, and divisions. While we bring some of these into Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over, there are many more that I'd like to capture. I'm also interested in capturing more examples of organizational story use and encourage people to contact me. These will then be offered to people who subscribe to our f-r-e-e monthly www.sayitwithastory.com e-zine.

As a business strategist, some of my current work is with leaders who are interested in weaving story into the fabric of their organizations. I have developed an assessment framework that helps them to identify places to strategically leverage the use of story for business impact, making it a way of life. This work intrigues me because of its newness and because I really do believe these organizations will catapult themselves within their industries.

Kevin: What else should we know?

Lori: Anyone can be a story pioneer. You don't have to be a leader within your organization to bring story into your work. Those I've interviewed who’ve taken on this role have gotten some amazing results in their work. And its been noticed by senior leaders within their enterprises.

Like Nike says, "Just do it." Especially in organizations where story is seen as touchy-feely, begin to use stories and to listen to them differently. There's no need to tell people that you're doing "story work" or using "narrative" until they begin to notice a change. Sometimes, when we label behaviors, they backfire on us. After people express an interest, then you can introduce them to the concept of stories.

If you have a group - a work group, a project team, a department - that's receptive to story use, start a reading group. Go through the chapters in Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over that have the most application to the group's work and discuss ways to apply what you read. You may also want to bring in training that helps the group accelerate its learning.

I truly believe the possibilities for story use in organizations are endless - limited only by our imaginations. When you can get such great results through stories who wouldn't want to embrace them?

Thanks Lori for sharing your expertise and insights with us.

If you haven't ordered your copy of this fascinating book, I recommend you do so now.

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