A Defense of Story
Stories can be overly simple, even deceptive. But more often than not, they help surface and illuminate truth, and embracing their complexity offers deep reward.
Thaler Pekar
Storytelling and the Dangers of Disbelief
Social innovators can benefit from embracing complex characters and stories.
Reflection Through Narrative
How international organizations gain insight, innovation, and internal alignment through story.
The Cure for Premature Articulation
Two ways to improve the quality of discussion and decision-making at your organization.
Hearing the Stories within the Stories
It’s easy to revert to big narratives and much harder to let small, surprising, and telling stories emerge.
What Will Replace the Hero’s Journey?
Only by sharing stories of complex protagonists, messy work, and muddled results will the social sector foster understanding and gain support.
The Problem with Problem Statements
Forgoing the articulation of a problem statement and focusing on paradox leads to more effective communication with your organization’s supporters.
How to Gather Stories
Three ways to gather powerful and persuasive stories from colleagues, customers, donors, grantees, and yourself for effective messaging.
Working with Stories
When embracing the benefits of working with stories, it’s important to keep two things in mind: engage empathy and embrace emergence.
Invite Your Listener to Share the Story
Sharing a story will likely to trigger a story in the mind of your listener. Be intentional about the stories you choose to share.
The Benefits of Building a Narrative Organization
The value of narrative in your organization extends well beyond telling stories in your annual report and newsletters.