Ever feel like your team is stuck in quicksand—everyone’s working hard, but progress is painfully slow? Or maybe you’re fighting the same battle over and over: misaligned priorities, resistance to change, and that nagging feeling that no one really knows where you’re headed.
You don’t need more tools or processes to fix these problems. What you need is better stories.
The Problem
When I was a consultant, I’d start every engagement the same way: asking people at all levels, “What are the top three goals for the next three months?”
I’ll never forget the answers:
Some laughed (ouch)
Some gave me vague buzzword (oh boy)
Some said “because this person wants it” (accurate but problematic)
Without clarity, you get:
Confusion that prevents progress
Endless debates about which path to take
Work that is disjointed and crappy
The Power of Story
Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for humans
Stories make things simple. They turn complex strategies into something teams can actually understand and act on.
Stories inspire action. A great story connects emotionally, giving your team a reason to care.
Stories are great for sharing. They can be shared at all levels and in all kinds of contexts.
Strategy stories point at the mountain to climb
This is the story that answers:
Who are we serving?
Why do they need our help right now?
How can we serve the customer and grow the business?
What It Solves:
Misaligned priorities and constant second-guessing.
A team that feels like they’re spinning their wheels instead of building something that matters.
How to Nail It:
Make the goal crystal clear: What are we trying to achieve, and why does it matter?
Keep it memorable: If your team can’t repeat the strategy back to you, it’s too complicated.
Change stories support us through the messy middle
Change is hard. It’s messy, awkward, and full of missteps. A Change Story helps your team see the bigger picture and their role in it.
What It Solves:
Resistance to change and fear of the unknown.
A team that’s going through the motions without real buy-in.
How to Nail It:
Honor the past: Acknowledge the work that got you here—even the missteps.
Define the gap: Be real about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Extend an invitation: Invite your team into the process. Transformation isn’t something you impose; it’s something you build together.
Career stories help us share our unique value
This one’s personal. Your Career Story is about showing your unique value and why you’re the right person for the right company.
What It Solves:
Confusing or uninspiring personal branding.
Struggling to land a role that truly fits.
How to Nail It:
Create a through line: Highlight the common thread in your career—what drives you and what you’ve learned.
Show growth: Share how you’ve adapted and thrived through challenges.
Define your future: Be clear about what you’re looking for and what kind of company fits your values.
Time to get workshopping
Storytelling is a skill you can learn and refine. Like any skill, it takes practice and feedback—but the payoff is massive.
Start small. Pick one of these stories—strategy, change, or career—and workshop it. Can you tell it concisely? Does it feel clear and actionable?
Need help? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s build stories that move your team, your career, and your company forward.
Image: I made this ages ago for a grad school project about the Scottish Parliment, it's nice to dust it off and show it again.