Author Archives: KatHansen

This article comes from Evelyn Clark:

Have you or any of your leaders ever been frustrated because your organization’s presentations, memos, or other messages don’t seem to be heard — not to mention heeded? Are you tired of reiterating the same policies and procedures to employees˜only to have them fall on deaf ears again and again? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, take heart: there is a powerful solution to the problem that will significantly enhance adherence to your organization’s policies and desired practices. The solution is innovative, it’s easier to implement than writing a policy manual that gets ignored — and it effectively shapes behavior. It is an approach called corporate storytelling, or “managing by storying around.”

As discussed repeatedly in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, and other leading business publications, the use of storytelling in businesses and other organizations is more than a valid concept; it’s an essential, proven communication practice. Motivating people to reach the organization’s stated goals is “a big part of a CEO’s job,” says award-winning writer, director, and screenwriting coach Robert McKee in his HBR interview. “To do that, he or she must engage their emotions, and the key to their hearts is a story.” Continue reading →

My business-communication students played Pitch-a-Story at the end of the fall 2005 semester and really enjoyed it. Students found it applicable to job interviewing in that the game helped them develop their abilities to think on their feet. Next semester, I’ll have students play the game during the time they’re … Continue reading →