Issue 6 - September 16th 2024

You seek understanding

This week, I invite you to consider storytelling when...

When you want someone to understand

From the first moment we speak, we do so in order to be understood. We try to find the right expressions to get our message accros to the audience. And when we are not 100% sure, we add an explanation (or we simply repeat our statement with a raised voice). The more we think differently from our audience, the more effort is needed - either by us or by them. Who has the power to decide which side needs to make the effort?

When a manager speaks to his/her team, power is not evenly distributed. There is a temptation to impose "manager thinking" on the team. Using explanations is simply an alternative introduction to their way of thinking. But why should anyone bother? How can a manager avoid the "carrot or stick" temptation to get their team think like the leader? Through storytelling.

Humans rather seek to make sense than to understand

Granted - there are people who aspire to think like somebody else. But these are either lovers or those who one day want to be someone else (a manager for example). For all others, understanding the "management blabla" requires making an effort and we only make it when it is worth it.

What every human being is seeking however is to make sense of a world which is more confusing than ever. And here lies the key to effective communication: Don't aim to be understood. Help your audience making sense of the world. And telling stories is a very natural way of making sense.

Politicians have long utilized the power of storytelling. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, often opted for storytelling over direct explanation of his actions, a technique known as "political narrative." More recent instances also demonstrate that while audiences may not grasp the intricacies of a politician's thoughts, they resonate with their stories, perceive the world anew, and are moved to act, such as by voting, based on that narrative.

Next time when you want your team to get the message, avoid the explanation trap and rather aim to help them making sense of the world. Soon, you will find yourself telling stories. Welcome to the troubadours.

About The Troubadour

Storytelling can be a powerful tool - even for those of us who are not professional writers. There are numerous books, videos and classes on the subject. Typically, they provide insights on HOW to draft and present a story.

The Troubadour is about WHEN to leverage storytelling.

The use cases and examples presented in the newsletters are all based on my personal experience as someone (a manager) who has the responsibility to archive a business outcome by leveraging a team of humans. Although telling stories usually was not something I was compensated for, I found the techniques superior to many other means of communication.

The Troubadour is about storytelling as a MANAGEMENT TOOL.

Storytelling is often taught by journalists, actors or others who were professionally trained to excel in this art. What I am sharing are my own observations, lessons learned and numerous sources reviewed on the subject.

The Troubadour is based on my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A MANAGER.

Do you like The Troubadour? Please forward to anyone who could be interested.

About Me

Storytelling has been part of my professional life for more than 20 years. Although I was never trained to become a professional writer (or narrator), relying on stories to communicate better has always felt natural to me.

Besides of blogs and articles, I published a novel (The Lion of Ishtar) which is available in book stores with the ISBN?9783757809959 and 9783757881603 (Book 1 and 2).

Outside of my day job, I am also coaching with special focus on storytelling.

About the Logo: For centuries, troubadours were the dominant tool of mass communication. Their ability to (select &) present content ultimately determined their income (and survival). Troubadours were masters of storytelling.