“A good rule of thumb from examining human history, the role of parables, and the influence of the Christian Bible: Never under-estimate the power of a good story.”

– John P. Kotter and Dan S. Cohen, The Heart of Change: Real Life Stories of How People Change Their Organizations

“When executives need to persuade an audience, most try to build a case with facts, statistics, and some quotes from authorities. In other words, they resort to “companyspeak,” the tools of rhetoric they have been trained to use… executives can engage people in a much deeper–and ultimately more convincing–way if they toss out their PowerPoint slides and memos and learn to tell good stories.”

– “Storytelling that Moves People: A Conversation with Screenwriting Coach Robert McKee” Harvard Business Review

“Build a repertoire of teachable stories. Collect and catalogue the best in-house stories that illuminate your. … principles. Encourage your partners recognize teachable moments. Develop a communications strategy for circulating these stories…”

– Frederick F. Reichheld, Loyalty Rules! How Today’s Leaders Build Lasting Relationships

“Effective leaders are able to create, manipulate and exemplify not only stories but symbols, slogans, and mantras as well. All of these help define in the minds of followers the essence of the leader’s vision and his character.”

– Steven B. Sample, The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership

“Stories that have been told and retold within a culture become so much a part of consciousness that we don’t see them as stories at all. They define what we see as ‘plain truths’ – the way thing ‘are.’ For example, stories about what is ‘good,’ who is deserving, and what is ‘normal’ are so ingrained and taken for granted that the stories themselves are transparent. All cultures have these ‘dominant narratives.’

– Debra E. Meyerson, Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work

“Develop and repeat your most compelling stories. People seldom tire of good stories that stir up feelings of pride…. In 1995, Howard Gardner wrote a landmark book entitled Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership, in which he explored the attributes and approaches of ten truly great world leaders ranging from Margaret Mead to Mahatma Gandhi. One of the most intriguing findings of his works was that ‘whether direct or indirect, leaders fashion stores-principally stories of identity. It is important that a leader be a good storyteller, but equally crucial that the leader embody that story in his or her life…’”

– Jon R. Katzenbach, Why Pride Matters More Than Money: The Power of the World’s Greatest Motivational Force

“A carefully chosen story can help the leader of an organization translate an abstract concept into a meaningful mandate for employees.”

– Stephen Denning, “Telling Tales,” Harvard Business Review