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This engaging and practical book gives readers the tools and insight to become accomplished creators of stories to lead positive change within their organisation and communities.
For millennia, stories have connected us and helped us make sense of the world. Now we must rediscover the potency of stories to effectively respond to the leadership challenges of today. This book will help you engage and motivate others to take action for a liveable planet and equitable world.
Packed with relatable examples that will resonate for anyone in a leadership role, the book guides readers through five steps to create powerful stories that bridge divides, catalyse action and accelerate change:
Story listening: walk in the shoes of others to gain empathy;
Story building: craft the ingredients of a compelling narrative;
Story shaping: improve with peer feedback and practice;
Story sharing: seed stories to help grow purpose-led, fearless cultures; and
Story living: strengthen personal leadership to expand influence and impact.
More than ever, we need stories that help us imagine and build healthy, productive workplaces and communities - stories that grow our sense of agency as citizens, grounded in the belief that every voice and every action matters. This book is an invaluable toolkit to help everyone craft stories that inspire themselves and others.
List of contents
Introduction, Chapter 1: What are stories?, Chapter 2: How are we wired for stories?, Chapter 3: Is there a universality to stories?, Chapter 4: What are our dominant stories?, Chapter 5: Do we need new stories, Introduction to Part Two, Chapter 6: Story Listening, Chapter 7: Story Building, Chapter 8: Story Shaping. Chapter 9: Story Sharing, Chapter 10: Story Living, Introduction to Part Three, Chapter 11: The Story of Simple, Chapter 12: The Story of Hope, Chapter 13: The Story of Forgiveness, Chapter 14: The Story of Together, Chapter 15: The Story of Creativity, Conclusion, Appendix: Interviewees, Bibliography
About the author
Zoë Arden works at the intersection of leadership and storytelling. She is a Fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and has supported thousands of leaders globally with her training programmes and influence and impact coaching.
