Stories in Your Organization

A521.1.4.RB

Describe a common story in your organization and discuss its implications on the organization. Does this story promote the goals and ideals of the organization? Does it help describe "who we are and what we stand for?" What is the story's impact on the culture of the organization?

The military has many stories that echo throughout all branches of the armed forces. In fact, these stories highlight glories, dilemmas, and failures to further understand heritage and leadership lessons. Although many of these stories span all branches of the military, each branch (Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy) have their own branch specific stories that are studied and reflected upon through their respective professional military education, staff rides, case studies, and vignettes.

The importance of organizational stories goes beyond entertainment, such stories shape the organizations culture, awareness and in many cases, expectations. To understand where an organization comes from (origins) is important to establishing its foundation and place in history. Thus, the study of military history, specifically, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars are widely accepted as events that established the formation of our military and its prescribed duties. Within these historic events, during specific battles, tales of bravery and hardship are still to this day used as examples of sacrifice and honor that firmly reinforce military culture, ideals, and values. Looking at more modern day conflicts, examples of heroism and personal dilemmas are prevalent during the popular stories like Blackhawk down and Marcus Luttrell’s recount of his Seal team’s mission in Afghanistan in Lone Survivor. Existing in what is consider a “Warrior’s culture” such as in the profession of arms, the need for stories of past trials, sacrifices and triumphant missions is essential to learn from and shape present and future endeavors. Furthermore, these stories serve as means for leaders to preparing their formations for difficult challenges as they move directly into “unknown” of change or a given mission. Denning (2011), quotes Noel Tichy as saying, “The best way to get humans to venture into unknown terrain is to make that terrain familiar and desirable by taking them there first in their imaginhations.”

I believe that storytelling in an organizational setting is a vital tool for any leader. One does not have to use historical events to emphasize a point or behavior. A good leader will have the ability to see valuable lessons or events to share and celebrate with their organization/teams on a daily basis within their environment. Organizational culture and ideals are greatly reinforced with storytelling. Furthermore, it is an effective way to ensure that an organization is on the same “wave length” as the leader, as they highlight and discuss what they believe is collectively important.

Reference

Denning, Stephen. (2011). The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership) (p. 25). Wiley. Kindle Edition.