What are the best books and podcasts on storytelling and metaphors for leaders and managers?

A couple great books on stores and naratives for leaders are "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath This book focuses on why some ideas are more effective and memorable than others. The Heath brothers give practical advice for making your messages stick. Another great book which is also a podcast is "Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller Miller discusses the power of storytelling in marketing and branding, with insights that are valuable for leaders looking to communicate more effectively. Miller is also very humorous. "Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story" by Peter Guber is another great book that provides practical tips for effective storytelling.

People remember stories. They connect us. When you share a real, personal story, it feels like you’re speaking directly to someone’s heart. It sticks with them. And that’s what makes it so powerful. Sometimes, ideas can be tough to digest. A good metaphor clears away the fog. It’s like seeing the big picture through a window. Suddenly, everything makes sense. Stories also spark a fire inside us. They push us to do better, to aim higher. They lift our spirits and make us believe in possibilities. And there’s something special about sharing bits of your own life. It builds a bridge of trust. People start to see you not just as a speaker, but as a fellow human. And that, right there, is how real connections are made.

Pienso que el ser humano estamos “hechos” de historias ya que nuestras diferentes culturas se basan en historias. Toda nuestra sociedad está construida y compuesta de historias, por tanto, considero esencial apoyarme en las historias a la hora de influir en otra persona. Las historias crean emociones y las emociones influyen.

Struggling to connect with your team? Storytelling is the key. Beyond mere information, it evokes emotions and inspires action. From ancient fables to modern case studies, these books and podcasts offer invaluable insights. Must-Read Books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek, Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, and The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall. These classics delve into the psychology of storytelling and its power to persuade and motivate. Top-Rated Podcasts: For on-the-go learning, tune into Storytelling for Leaders or The Art of Storytelling podcasts. They feature interviews with experts and provide practical tips for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your audience.

The pixar storytelling technique is a wonderful tool to help with the crafting of stories. It involves introducing the context, introducing an incident, building it to the climax and then talks about what the new normal is. In a nutshell, it encapsulates the most pivotal moments in a way that is easy to follow and understand.

Here is an example of crafting effective stories to AI educational course: 1. Relatable Characters: Picture a CEO drowning in data, struggling with market trends, customer behaviour, and competitor strategies. He’s overwhelmed and uncertain 2. Highlight Challenges: The CEO must make informed decisions in a fast-paced, resource-limited environment 3. Compelling Resolution: With an AI-powered platform, he analyses data, identifies trends, and gains insights, enabling better decisions, optimized operations, and growth 4. Lessons Learned: AI empowers informed decision-making, navigates complexity, and achieves business goals 5. Visuals and Call to Action: Use visuals and end with a call to action, urging viewers to explore your AI program

Effective stories make people feel something. When I tell a story within any content I'm delivering I purposefully ask myself - what am I telling this story for? And what do I want people to know, feel, think, and do after hearing it. It's not just "telling about a time when" it's being purposeful in the way the story is crafted so the story drives the intended purpose.

Metaphors bring abstract concepts to life - I used the "tugboat" metaphor to convey my team's role in delivering projects efficiently. Memorable stories inspire action - Sharing my personal journey motivated my team to embrace change and take ownership. Vivid imagery captures attention - The "cactus and balloon" visual metaphor powerfully communicated the importance of social distancing. Extended metaphors reinforce key messages - Repeatedly using the "fragile structure" metaphor drove home the need to address compliance issues. Thoughtful metaphors demonstrate leadership - Crafting novel metaphors shows creativity and helps your ideas stand out.

Para mí estos libros son fantásticos: -Storytelling salvaje -Método TED para hablar en público. Y por supuesto el que yo mismo he escrito y publicado: Influencia Cosnciente

Some of the best podcasts on storytelling and metaphors for leaders and managers include "The Moth," "TED Talks Daily," and "This American Life." These podcasts feature compelling stories and powerful metaphors that can inspire and educate leaders in effective communication and leadership. Additionally, books like "Storytelling with Data" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic and "The Metaphor Factory" by Donald M. Murray offer valuable insights on using storytelling and metaphors to engage, motivate, and influence others in a professional setting.

The Moth Podcast: Offers insights into crafting authentic narratives, essential for leaders to connect emotionally with their teams. The Art of Charm: Focuses on communication and persuasion, teaching leaders to use stories for building rapport and influence. The Story Grid Podcast: Provides analysis on structuring stories, helping leaders refine their storytelling skills for effective communication. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller: Guides leaders in clarifying their message through storytelling, enhancing customer engagement. Lead with a Story by Paul Smith: Offers techniques for integrating narratives into business communication, inspiring teams and driving results.

I really love "The TED Radio Hour" 'cause it mixes cool ideas with awesome stories. Manoush Zomorodi, the host, is amazing at putting TED talks together under one theme, making each episode both fun and smart. Here’s why it’s awesome: 1) Every episode dives into a new theme, whether it’s about the future of tech or what makes us truly happy. Experts from different fields share their insights and perspectives on the world. 2) Zomorodi's got a talent for storytelling. She weaves different TED talks into one smooth, enjoyable story. She finds connections between various ideas, making each episode feel like a fun journey. Listening to "The TED Radio Hour" lets you learn new things and get inspired by the creativity of others. Check it out!

While I think we can learn a lot from the big hitters in storytelling, communication, and journalism - NPR, Simon Sinek, Brene Brown. I think there's also something to be said for any podcast that grabs your attention and keeps you tuned in on a regular basis. Personally, I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts - it's not simply the story (the stories are actually quite awful), but it's in the quality of the storytelling. One of the things I do often when I am listening to others speak, regardless of the content - is the part of my brain that's a facilitator is always listening for tips I can incorporate into my own style of storytelling.

Check out books and articles about metaphors. Get to know and read different kinds of metaphors, like similes, personification, and more. Try making up your own metaphors, too. Read a lot and all kinds of stuffs. Dive into books, articles, and short stories by different authors and from various genres. This way, you’ll pick up new perspectives and writing styles. Once you’ve written something, go back and edit it. Chop out unnecessary words, tighten up your sentences, and ensure every word has a job to do. Hang out with other writers. Sharing your work and getting feedback can offer great insights and help you get better.

Practice! Practice alone, practice with others, record yourself -- don't expect to be able to wing anything, even if you've said and/or done something a thousand times.