When Facts Aren’t Enough for IT Leaders

Hello ??

I’m Steve Maxwell , an IT leader passionate about fostering curiosity and collaboration in teams. Over the years, I’ve learnt that leadership isn’t just about systems and solutions - it’s about people and the stories that inspire them.

Ready? Then I shall begin...

You see, last Friday, during our Curious Mindset session (a private virtual event for technology leaders), David Hutchens , the author and CEO at Mythos Global / The Storytelling Leader, shared the transformative power of storytelling in leadership.

His insights reminded me of a pivotal moment in my career where, unknowingly, I used storytelling to bring about meaningful change.

For most of my career, I believed storytelling wasn’t for me. Facts and logic, I thought, should suffice to make a point. Stories? Those were for salespeople, not tech leaders like me.

But as I reflected on David Hutchens’ message, I realised there was one pivotal moment in my career where I unknowingly leaned into storytelling—and it worked.

Using storytelling to overcome challenges...

I had just stepped into a new role as Head of IT Service and Operations. The situation I inherited was far from ideal: poor service metrics, a growing backlog of requests, and a rigid, outdated team structure. My vision was clear—a complete overhaul of the team, breaking down traditional silos and aligning competencies with front-line service delivery and back-office infrastructure management.

But I needed buy-in. Not just from my team but from stakeholders across the business. And that required more than facts and plans.

When I presented my vision, I didn’t simply lay out the roadmap. I told a story. I described our current state—unpredictable service levels, frustrated users, and eroded trust in IT. Then I painted a picture of a better future: one where departments could rely on timely, transparent service.

I invited stakeholders to imagine a culture of fairness and collaboration, where IT didn’t just react but actively empowered the business. I acknowledged their frustrations and empathised with their concerns, but I also challenged them to think beyond their individual needs and embrace a broader vision.

And it worked. They backed the plan, despite the challenges ahead.

The transformation was profound. Lead times dropped from six weeks to under one. The backlog shrank. The team thrived with a renewed sense of purpose, clear roles, and opportunities for growth.

David Hutchens reminded me why that approach succeeded. Storytelling isn’t just about narratives—it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level.

"Story is your brain's operating system for making sense of the world." - David Hutchens

Facts inform, but stories inspire trust, belief, and action.

For too long, I’d avoided storytelling, thinking it was inauthentic or manipulative. But I see it differently now. That story I told wasn’t a departure from truth—it was a way to make the truth resonate. It wasn’t just a strategy; it was leadership.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join The Curious Mindset community.

Together, we can challenge assumptions, share insights, and grow into leaders who don’t just solve problems but inspire change.

To wrap things up, here’s a little glimpse from our last session with David Hutchens, exploring the power of storytelling ????