Just Story It

I love paradox, as anyone can tell from the name of the research center that I run with John Seely Brown in Silicon Valley – the Center for the Edge. Paradox is basically a puzzle, often juxtaposing two elements that...

This post by John Hagel goes under the category of "Thinking better about biz storytelling."

Sharing stories builds trust. This is a wonderful thing. But as John shares, it's a double-edge sword. Here's the paradox the author discusses: "In a nutshell, here’s the paradox. Everyone thinks that trust is important. Yet, at the same time, trust in individuals and institutions is eroding."

What does this mean to you as you share your business stories? "It turns out that the very practices that helped us to build trust in the past are now contributing to the erosion of trust," says Hagel.

He then discusses new approaches to building trust: vulnerability, will, being forward-looking, and others.

This article is a must read to be able to respond to today's always shifting business landscape. And so can more consciously work with your stories to keep you successful.