Communication & Leadership Frameworks

• Storytelling from Communication theory• Group existence • Using stories to create the future• Symbolic-Interpretive (SI)• Social Cognitive (SC)• Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM)

Adapted from Altman and Taylor (1973, cited in Caputo, Hazel, McMahon, & Dannels, 2004, pp. 110-111); Cronen (2001); Griffin (2009); Frey & Sunwolf (2005); IDEA (2010); Pearce (2004; 2008).

Storytelling FrameworksDigital Storytelling

• Video & audio narratives of participants• Empowers the participant• Allows for team building/understanding• Participants choose the topic

Adapted from CFDS (2010); Gubrium (2009); Halpern and Lubar (2003); Rulun (2010); The European Graduate School (2010).

Storytelling FrameworksNarrating the Self

• Fosters individual identification• Empowers the individual

Adapted from Denning (2005); Lipman (1999); McAdams (1993)

Storytelling FrameworksNarrating the Organization

• Intended to unify the group• Constructs the experience

Adapted from McAdams (1993)

Storytelling FrameworksNarrating Change

• Develops organizational identity• Establishes visions, goals• Inspires change (turning points)

Adapted from Bruner (1991); Denzin (2003); Maruska (2004); McKee (2003)

Consulting ApproachUsefulness

• Separate past from future anchor point• Connect with the audience• Allows audience participation

Adapted from Block (2009); Bruner (1991); Lipman (1999); McKee (2003)

Assessing the SituationWhat’s occurring in the organization?

• Understand internal risks: changes in budget, layoffs, technology, conflicts, etc.• Understand the risks of storytelling• Storytelling requires courage

Consulting Method Design a storytelling workshop or retreat depending on the hours an organization wants to invest in this approach.

Design questions

Adapted from Denning (2005)

Design ObjectivesPurpose

Increase team unity and morale through a relations-based method that requires self-disclosure, self-awareness & empathetic understanding

Adapted from J. Albert (personal communication, June 10, 2010)

Design ObjectivesTimeline

• Workshop is 90 minutes to three hours• Retreat is one to three days• Content adjusted to meet allotted time

Design ObjectivesPacing

• Interval pacing• Group activity interspersed with presentation by trainer• Breaks at 60 to 90 minutes

Design ObjectivesParticipant Skill Level

• Allow for a diverse group• Participants must be: • Willing to participate • Open to other perspectives & stories

Design ObjectivesFacilitator Skill Level

• Communicate clearly• Familiarity with method and presentation technology• Aware of socio-psychological needs• Ensure confidentiality• Willingness to listen• Engage feedback and participation• Flexible• Lead by example

Adapted from J. Albert (personal communication, June 10, 2010); Rogers (1989)

Design ObjectivesStory Typology

• Story of I• Story of We• Story of Place• Story of Future• I Want

Adapted from Denning (2005); Gubrium (2009); Lipman (1999); Rogers (1989)

Design ObjectivesGroup Size

• Need at least two groups• Break groups into a minimum of three or four individuals

WorkshopPrior to conducting the workshop

• Encourage participation through sharing in a public setting • Adaption to private settings • Adaption to mass audiences • Inform participants of desired outcomes • Preparation of own stories • Visual Aids incorporated into video

WorkshopGround Rules

• Establish the level of confidentiality for participants• Maintain a positive atmosphere • Participants should only present what they feel comfortable sharing

Adapted from Block (2002); Campbell (2009); Lefer (2008); J. Albert (personal communication, June 10, 2010)

WorkshopPhase 1: Introduction & Explanation

• Facilitate a safe & relaxed learning space• Introduce the method of storytelling• Present examples• Explain the Seven Elements • Describe the conceptual framework & benefits behind personal narratives

Adapted from Gurbium (2009); J. Albert (personal communication, June 10, 2010)

WorkshopPhase 2: Co-create Content

• Restate ground rules of respect• Provide an example that empowers participants with courage• Break into small groups• Reiterate the Seven Elements• Actively listen and respectfully comment on stories when complete

WorkshopPhase 3: Transition Content to Digital Process

• Create a written script• Consider feedback from peers• Create stories as a group or individually• Brief tutorial of digital image editing• Instructions & tips about voice recording• Remind participants practicing will achieve competency• Allot a time frame for completion

WorkshopPhase 4: Finished Product

• May be necessary to help complete digital story editing • Invite participants to share stories• Transition session to closure• Share what was learned• Seek feedback from participants• Suggestions for improvement• Conclude the workshop

Workshop Phases adapted from Denning (2005); Denzin (2003); Gurbium (2009); McAdams (1993); J. Albert (personal communication, June 10, 2010); Silberman and Auerbach (2006)

Ethical implications

• No repercussions for sharing • Establish confidentiality rules • Consider immunity clauses• Information only viewed by a select group• Always gain permission from participants to share any information• Keep organization's expectations in mind

Intention of Storytelling

• Not a therapy session• Empower the participant• Improve moral• Improve team dynamics & unity• Only as successful as the participants allow • Facilitators needs to lead by example

Conclusion

• Learn from the past & create a future • Positive results include: • Self-awareness • Fosters dialogue • Presentation & technical skills • Boost morale • Inspire beneficial change • Engage heart and mind• Gain understanding of culture & the organization, teams & departments

References

Albert, J. (2010, June). Leadership story types. Course handout. Gonzaga University: Spokane, WA.

Block, P. (2002). The answer to how is yes: Acting on what matters. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler.

Block, P. (2009). Community: the structure of belonging. San Francisco: Berrett Koehler.

Bruner, J. (1991). Self-making and world-making. Journal of Aesthetic Education, 25, 1, 67-78.

Campbell, S. (2009). I want... In J. Stewart (Ed.), Bridges not walls: a book about interpersonal communication (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Caputo, J.S., Hazel, H.C., McMahon, C., & Dannels, D. (2002). Communicating effectively: linking thought and expression (3rd ed.). Dubuque, IO: Kendall/Hunt.

CFDS. (2010). Center for Digital Storytelling. Retrieved June 16, 2010, from http://www.storycenter.org

Denning, S. (2005). The leader's guide to storytelling: mastering the art and the discipline of business and narrative. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Denzin, N. K. (2003). Performance ethnography: Critical pedagogy and the politics of culture. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Gubrium, A. (2009). Digital storytelling as a method for engaged scholarship and anthropology. Practicing Anthropology, 31(4), 5-7.

Halpern, B.L., & Lubar, K. (2003). Leadership presence: dramatic techniques to reach out, motivate, and inspire. New York: Gotham.

Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement (IDEA). (2010). Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Retrieved June 21, 2010, from http://www.idea.org/page110.html

Lefer, D. (2008, April). Both sides: Connie Rice lays down the law to cops and gangs. The Sun, 388, 3-11.

Maruska, D. (2004). How great decisions get made: 10 easy steps for reaching agreement on even the toughest issues. New York: AMACOM.

McAdams, D.P. (1993). The stories we live by: personal myths and the making of the self. New York: Guilford.

McKee, R. (2003, June). Storytelling that moves people: a conversation with screenwriting coach Robert McKee. Different Voice. Harvard Business Review, 51-57.

Rogers, C. (1989). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Rulun, Z. (2010). Is an ethics of economic activity possible? Retrieved June 16, 2010, from http://www.crvp.org/book/Series03/III-14/chapter_viii.htm

Silberman, M, & Auerbach, C. (2006). Active training: a handbook of techniques, designs, case examples, and tips (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

The European Graduate School. (2010). Arts, health, & society: about. Retrieved June 16, 2010, from http://www.egs.edu/arts-health-society/about/