486: Three Stories to Tell During Uncertainty, with David Hutchens

Aug 17, 2020

David Hutchens, a global storytelling expert and author, dives into the art of narrative as a leadership tool. He shares how leaders can craft continuity stories that reflect core values, novelty stories to inspire innovation, and transition stories that celebrate progress during uncertain times. With examples and frameworks, David shows how effective storytelling can foster engagement, inspire change, and create emotional connections, guiding organizations through challenges while maintaining their identity and vision.

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INSIGHT

Core Organizational Needs

Organizations have three core needs: continuity, novelty, and transition.
Leaders must address these needs, especially during times of uncertainty, using stories to engage the emotional system.

ANECDOTE

Patagonia's Values

Patagonia, facing environmental damage from their products, chose values over profit.
They discontinued a popular product and innovated a sustainable alternative, demonstrating commitment to their values.

ANECDOTE

The Zambia Story

Steve Denning's "Zambia Story" at World Bank sparked a knowledge management revolution. By highlighting a small health worker's resourcefulness, he inspired World Bank to embrace a new capability.

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David Hutchens: The Storytelling Leader

David Hutchens help leaders find and tell their stories. Stephen M.R. Covey says, “David has the ability to convey key messages in a way that is both simple and profound.”

He has taught the Storytelling Leader program all over the world at some of the most influential organizations — and he’s written many books, including most recently the Circle of the 9 Muses* and The Leadership Story Deck*. He is the co-creator with Susan Gerke of the GO Team program.

In this conversation, David and I explore the importance of storytelling, especially during uncertain times. David teaches us the framework of the kinds of stories leaders can tell for continuity, novelty, and transition. Leaders can use one of all of these frameworks to help connect and inspire during difficult times.

Key Points

The continuity story highlights identity, values, and founding principles — things that will never change.

Example:

What’s a time we held our values, even though it came with a cost?

The novelty story shows what is new and focuses attention on innovation and possibility.

Example:

What’s a time you saw something valuable that we don’t have here? But imagine if we did.

The transition story dives in on change and learning — and illuminates a journey of shared progress.

Examples:

What’s a time you saw someone make a personally courageous decision to change?
We tried something, it didn’t work, and we learned something valuable.
Here’s a time we solved a tough problem.

Resources Mentioned

GO Team program
Leadership Story Deck* by David Hutchens
Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers* by David Hutchens
David’s email: David@DavidHutchens.com

Related Episodes

How Storytelling Helps You Lead, with Sandie Morgan (episode 51)
The Four Critical Stories Leaders Need For Influence, with David Hutchens (episode 148)
Practical Storytelling That Isn’t Awkward, with David Hutchens (episode 228)

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