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All the best info on storytelling to lead and grow your biz. Contact us today! (619) 235-0052
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This guest post is by nurse Amy Dixon, who blogs at Creative RN, where it was originally posted on April 30. She attended a writing workshop last summer offered by the CHMP’s program in Narrative W...
Karen Dietz's insight:
This is an unusual post -- but it also reflects a side of business storyteling that rarely gets mentioned. It's the nitty-gritty side of hearing people share their stories. All compelling stories are made up of conflict, strife, struggle, trouble and the like. It's not a story without it. Yet the author here reminds us that it might not always be about happy endings -- and this can be just as powerful. If our business stories are only about the successes or triumphs, are we in some ways denying parts of the soul that inform our humanity? I certainly have personal stories that don't have happy endings, yet they are still powerful for the lessons I learned that I share with others. Hmmm -- this is a thought provoking article about storytelling. What do you get from it? This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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![Why your brain loves music [& stories] | Just Story It | Scoop.it](http://img.scoop.it/1s0_n5UN1fAbA9RPeU1pFzl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBVaiQDB_Rd1H6kmuBWtceBJ)
New neuroscience study sets out to explain why in some respects music offers the same sort of pleasure as a really good thriller.
Karen Dietz's insight:
I love reading about topics related to storytelling and music is definitely one of those. So here is a wonderful article about how our brains and bodies interact with music. And what is going on in the brain regarding music is almost identical to storytelling! I like how the article talks about being overwhelmed by a story (that's happened to me), and talks about the notions of 'pleasant surprise' along with 'thwarted expectation'. And the final point is the kicker: some of the recent studies are too simplistic. As the author Ivan Hewett says, "What we need is a proper dialogue between musicians and scientists; then we might learn something really profound." I agree. Too often the studies are simply validating what we already know to be true. This is a necessary step in the research around both music and storytelling. But I think both Hewett and myself are looking for meatier stuff that delivers that 'pleasant surprise' and more. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Karen Goldfarb Copywriter's curator insight,
May 3, 1:18 PM
We are always trying to work out where the music or copywriting / story is heading, and enjoy the journey even if we're wrong. "There is pleasure even in being deceived." 
Mirjana Podvorac's curator insight,
May 4, 2:08 PM
Some new research on some things teachers have known and used for a long time. Delete the scoop?
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Storytelling is by far the most underrated skill when it comes to business. Gary Vaynerchuk, master marketer and entrepreneur Even...
Karen Dietz's insight:
What a succinct piece this is showing the significance of story sharing to promote word of mouth marketing. Which we all love and desire. The author, Jon Thomas, gives us nice stats of results companies have experienced using stories. And I like his point that in the old advertising model, 2% conversion was the goal. Today it is 100% engagement, and that word of mouth marketing through storytelling is the way to get there. He then goes on to talk about how to create a brand narrative. That piece of the article is a bit more conceptual with less how-to tips. But what I do like is how he suggests sharing biz stories, and then gives examples. Near the end of the article Thomas discusses the leap companies need to take to really stimulate word of mouth marketing. It is part of offering an experience that people will share stories about. I like how that gets me thinking! The examples shared here are really good, and I know you will benefit from them. Yeah for word of mouth marketing! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Debbie Oveland's curator insight,
May 12, 9:58 AM
Storytelling is the most effective management of your niche, your brand, your life Please read. Delete the scoop?
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"You know that feeling, when you can’t wait to get home to tell your significant other about the crazy thing that just happened at work? The second you walk through the door, even before you kick off your pinchy-toe shoes, you’re saying, “You’re not going to believe this . . .” as you launch into the story, complete with revealing hand gestures, passion, and well timed pauses that effortlessly build to the riveting climax." Via Gregg Morris
Karen Dietz's insight:
I love this post about our innate ability to tell stories, why that is, and how to get better at sharing our stories by asking ourselves a few questions. Really, it is the reflective activity we do after we've shared a story that helps us get better at it. That, and lots of practice. Lisa and I share a common experience. Over the years, every time I introduce storytelling from the place of structure and elements (beginning/middle/end; character, plot, challenge, resolution) people have a hard time telling a good story. In other words, I bomb! When I focus instead of them experiencing a story and them get them to share a quick story right away, it's like I've uncorked the Story Genie and I completely lose control of the room. They are so busy, and having so much fun telling stories, they ignore me. And I say, "Yeah!" Then they tell me some of their stories and they are great. This article talks about the exact same thing, but coming from a fiction writer's perspective. The questions posed here are really good, particularly as you take one of your oral stories and write it down. So use them. Thanks Lisa Cron for writing this article, and thanks also to fellow curator Gregg Morris at Story and Narrative who scooped this first! 
Karen Dietz's comment,
April 16, 12:35 PM
My pleasure Ji Woong and I hope you enjoy Prof. Morrison's class!
Karen Dietz's comment,
April 16, 12:36 PM
Thank you Peter for your comment about the difference between oral and written storytelling. We all need to remember these points!
Karen Dietz's comment,
April 16, 12:37 PM
And many thanks to Denyse, Comeja, Two Pen's, and Os's additional comments pointing out the value of this article.
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This incident happened with one of my clients - a high-profile communication technology company. As part of their online program, they were going to write a company blog. The first contributors we ...
Karen Dietz's insight:
Storytelling colleague Limor Shiponi from Isreal has done it again -- shared a slice of real life experience working with stories within a company. This is a short story with lots to think about -- namely how working with stories in organizations opens up meaningful conversations. And usually what is shared would have remained hidden or unsaid. And the other piece to think about in this story is how leadership can change and grow just by opening the door to storytelling. In this case, working on a company blog. And then the last place to reflect on with this article is the role of the story practitioner. As you read Limor's story, what qualities and skills were present that created a positive outcome? And then of course, the story itself proves how such a short piece can pack such a rich punch. If anyone is interested in digging into narrative practice, experiencing how complexity can be unwound with short but rich stories, and how all of this impacts both business and leadership, then click through the link at the end of the article to the Storyevolution conference coming up in May in Washington DC. Limor will be facilitating. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelilng at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
malek's curator insight,
April 3, 7:32 PM
"I feel I’m afraid to do wrong when the standard is – perfect" What an inspiration. Delete the scoop?
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Everyone is into content marketing these days. You can’t do well with Google or directly with people without creating valuable online content. Content, however, is one thing. Content that actually works as marketing is another.
Karen Dietz's insight:
This article is not about how to craft or deliver better business stories. But it is about personal qualities you the biz storyteller need to cultivate. I don't see many articles like this, yet the topic is an important one. Author and content marketing Guru Brian Clark suggests 5 traits are essential to be able to find, craft, and share your biz stories in ways that grow your business. The traits are:
I agree completely. To learn more about each of these -- what they are, why they are important, and how to cultivate them -- go read the article! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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"Using stories to catch 'smart talk' from the Zahmoo blog
Karen Dietz's insight:
What a hoot! My story colleague Shawn Callahan has done it again -- come up with another ingenious use for stories in business. Did you know stories can help you figure out whether someone is selling you a bunch of snake oil or if they really do have the knowledge and experience they say they have? This is what Callahan is proposing stories can do for you -- smoke out the truth. As he explains -- anyone who's puffing themselves up won't be able to share real stories about their experiences. They'll have ot make them up or tell stories of others they have heard. To know whether someone DOES have the knowledge and experience they say they do, they will be able to share lots of stories about their work. Read Callahan's tips for figuring out whether you are hearing the truth or a bunch of puffery. Then take the assessment to figure out if a story is really a story -- or masquerading as something else. Thanks Shawn for this handy tip! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Ron McIntyre's curator insight,
March 20, 9:53 AM
Good reason to keep an achievement diary with facts, dates and participants within your career. 
Ozzie Gontang, Ph.D.'s curator insight,
March 20, 2:19 PM
Curt Einstein would put it: Tell me what you did and how you did it from A to Z. If they couldn't tell the story of how it happened, then they may have been the boss but they didn't do it. Lee Thayer's: The measure of performance is performance tells what one has done in order to do what needed doing to accomplish the required results. It's about results, not activities.
Ozzie Gontang, Ph.D.'s curator insight,
March 20, 2:20 PM
There is an ocean between saying and doing. Delete the scoop?
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If you’ve spent any time at all recently reading PR and marketing blogs, you know that storytelling is a top trend, and for good reason. Building storytelling into the communications mix delivers ...
Karen Dietz's insight:
Aaaarrrgghhhh!! See me running down the corridor screaming. I can't believe that this kind of material about storytelling is being shared -- and at SXSW no less. I love John Hagel and his wriitings on biz storytelling. Gotta say though, I'm disappointed with this latest twist. Now I will say, I don't know exactly what Hagel said at the conference, and the article is someone reporting on/interpreting what he said. According to this author, Sarah Skerik who was reporting on Hagel's presenation at SXSW, stories are out, narratives are in. Sounds like a marketing ploy to me. Why? Because Hagel is saying that stories are not participatory, that they are told to the reader from the vantage point of the teller. Then the reader moves on to other things. Whoa -- stop the trains! This perpetuates the myth that storytelling all about 'telling'. Story dynamics demonstrates over and over again that all stories are participatory. The medium determines the degree of participation. Writing is engaging -- just less so than oral storytelling. No one simply reads a story passively. A story is being created in the hearts and minds of the reader -- especially if it is a compelling one. Any experienced well trained storyteller -- in business or otherwise -- knows that telling is only half the equation. Listening to the audience and creating a co-created experience is the real value of sharing stories. And the secret to using stories in business is the all about listening and story sharing. That means you are listening to the stories customers and prospects share with you in return. That is highly participatory! Hagel's next point is that narrative trumps story because a narrative can be never ending but stories stop -- narrative is always evolving, and promotes participation/engagement. What a false dichotomy! All stories evolve and are shaped over time. Your core biz stories evolve if you are doing the story sharing and listening thing right. Your biz story -- made up of smaller stories -- is always emerging. If we are going to talk of narrative at all, your business narrative is the accumulation of all of your business stories. And they are always in a dynamic flow, especially if you are building stories together with your clients/customers. In the end we agree -- business marketing is moving into living brand streams. Based in clearly understanding story dynamics. Not through making these distinctions as Hagel that creates a false mythology about business storytelling. Bottom line -- we are both saying that listening to your audience, co-creating stories, and leveraging participation are the real functions of business storytelling. That's where you need to pay attention. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Jack Tang's comment,
May 9, 2:10 AM
I agree with Kevin that narrative is different with stores. Narrative is more affective way for company to understand the process of what they did wrong or right. In the other side, stories are just to tell and it is not really interactive to the company.
An, SungBin's comment,
May 9, 10:43 PM
I agree with the article, any company can have their own stories. However, it is hard to get attention by the customers in these days. and I think the narrative has more powerful influences then a just stories. of course, it depends how you narrate the stories to customers, it might get worse.
Karen Dietz's comment,
May 10, 11:31 AM
All of these comments are very interesting and I think some additional points need to be made. First, not all narratives re stories. A report or an essay or a testimonial are all types of narratives and are definitely not stories. A report can have stories within it, but is still a type of narrative. If people understood the DYNAMICS of storytelling they would know that stories continually evolve and are all about engagement. Storytelling is NOT about telling, it's about the co-created experience that happens when people are experiencing the telling and listening at the same time. Stories by their nature are interactive. Can narrative evolve? Sure. But the points made at the conference is setting up a false dichotomy between narratives and stories, which when put into practice, is less relevant. The most important piece to pay attention to is the engagement and evolving nature of stories. Saying stories end and narratives don't is silly and not true.
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Article: "The Warning Label for Business Storytelling" http://t.co/lhFGgnP30w
Karen Dietz's insight:
Biz Story colleague Sean Buvala wrote this piece and it brought a grin to my face -- because IT IS TRUE!! So glad he put together a biz storytelling warning label for us all. Good job Sean! Unlike those annoying warning labels that come with every pillow you buy (and quickly remove at home), keep this one about storytelling front and center. If you don't you'll be sorry. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Miklos Szilagyi's curator insight,
March 3, 4:34 AM
Yeah, normal... too great a dose of everything is dangerous... be it positivity, story-telling, practically anything... "The dose makes the poison..." Like it...
Karen Dietz's comment,
March 3, 8:44 PM
Thank you for the commen Miklos and glad you found the post valuable!
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Why do marketers revel in military jargon? Must we really rally troops to deploy conquest ads or fire quick hits of bleeding-edge apps?
Karen Dietz's insight:
Now here is a thought-provoking piece on how the language we use to describe our story activities can either constrain us or set us free. I swear there are days when I experience being in a story war just like Jonah Sachs (Winning the Story Wars) says -- particularly when it comes to politics. But that metaphor need not apply all the time and this article by Douglas Van Praet is a good counterbalance. For Van Praet, using the language of war closes down our creativity. Makes sense. In response he has developed a 7-step process on how to inspire change that directly relates to organizational story work. And marketing. And branding. And leadership. So go read the article and let your creativity flourish! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Oakville Deals's curator insight,
February 16, 2:56 PM
This is an article that I was going to write. I think it is an American thing. Delete the scoop?
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The Telling Sustainable Stories short course looked at the power of stories to tackle sustainability challenges , says Ed Gillespie
Karen Dietz's insight:
Love this post about consciously choosing which stories to tell that is slanted toward organizations. This article comes from Britain, with British references. And some of the examples given are British companies. Hooray! We need more international examples. Sustainable storytelling for the author here, Ed Gillespie, is all about telling stories that sustain us. When I use the term 'sustainable storytelling' I mean paying attention to all that is required (i.e. structures and processes) within a business to keep storytelling alive as a sustainable activity over time. Semantics aside, I really like what Gillespie has to say: "...stories that empower us as heroes and capture our imaginations inspire and galvanise us into action more effectively than psychologically passive-aggressive narratives that try to guilt or brow-beat us into change." So true, so true. Leaders and marketers -- take a lesson here. Enjoy digging into all the links in this article and the examples of sustainable storytelling via Great Britain. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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"In our digital world, we encounter more and more noise and auditory barrage, that’s why Julian Treasure says that: “We are losing our listening.” Con...
Karen Dietz's insight:
Listening is a core storytelling skill. It is the first skill to master in business storytelling. In my classes/trainings I am always surprised at how amazed people are about the power of listening once they are given permission to do so, and insights they share about about the listening activities we do together. In this 7 minute TED talk Julian Treasure says we are losing our listening skills. Perhaps we are. Treasure makes the case for the need to improve our listening skills -- to make connections, create understanding, reduce stress, and build peace. Certainly we need to become better listeners in order to become better biz storytllers. In the past I've curated other articles on listening skills and also the importance of audio branding. Just search on those keywords in the TABS section above for more material. Treasure offers 5 ways to increase our listening skils -- that I think are actually fun -- and presents a model for better ways to listen to others. Yeah! Enjoy the video and new listening experiences. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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Remember G said, I need to trust the listener, my skill, the story. In this lesson, I wanted G to look at his relationships with face-to-face partners in the
Karen Dietz's insight:
My colleague Limor Shiponi in Isreal is writing blog posts as she coaches a client in story skills. Limor is a totally amazing storyteller who also works in business. This woman knows her stuff and is a deep thinker in the story world. So it is really fabulous that she is sharing with us her client's process and her coaching input. This post focuses on listening to the audience -- and the ability to create meaning in a story when your audience is diverse in their thinking, experiences, and backgrounds. Limor and her client are working on telling the Rapunzel fairy tale. You will probably never tell this in your business -- yet the insights here about finding fresh meaning with a story we already know is priceless.
Thank you Limor for sharing. And yes, I agree -- the quote at the end is the best I a have also heard about storytelling! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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Discover fresh insights about yourself, get closer to others, boost performance and other benefits you can glean from sharing meaningful stories about yourself and noticing the stories that others tell you that stick in your mind.
Karen Dietz's insight:
There's a flip side to business storytelling for those who want to go there: every time you tell a story, you get to find out a little more about yourself. What??!! you say. Yep -- sharing your stories (at the entprise or entrepreneural level) not only has an impact on your audiences, it can also impact you if you let it. Each time we tell a story, we share it in a slightly different way, depending on the context and our audience. If we are open and paying attention, little shifts in meaning can occur. Maybe you've been telling a particular story for awhile and you tell it a bit differently one time. Maybe a new piece of information came through, or a new memory, or a new message. You might have walked away from that experience saying, "Oh, now I know more about what that story is really all about!" This article, written by Kare Anderson for Forbes focuses on just this topic. But from a completely different angle! She shares an amazing story about story and personal change and new meanings. It is worth reading. And it is inspirational too! She provides 3 steps also to get us started. Enjoy thinking about your stories in this way -- not only about the lesson to share, but maybe there are hidden meanings for you waiting to be discovered! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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If you want to highlight a product, build a landing page. If you're an internet marketing guru, make a squeeze page. But if you want to start on online movement -- and maybe sell a few books, speak...
Karen Dietz's insight:
Now here is a new and revolutionary way to actually design a website that is a story, and tells a story. Wow -- how great! As author John Koetsier says, Eric Ries of The Lean Startup and author Tim Ferris of The 4-Hour Body have figured out how to do this. The article explains the new way to design websites, and gives examples so you can see the difference. This is not about taking a website and adding stories to it. That's old school -- taking a structure and trying to fit stories into it. This is about changing the website structure so the entire design matches storytelling. Go read the article to get the full explaination and the examples. It is really cutting edge. Hmmmm -- this is making me rethink my website once again! What do you think? This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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"R.U. Sirius: You describe five symptoms — pathologies, really — of “presentist” culture. One of these is “narrative collapse.” Can you explain it for those who haven’t read the book? Douglas Rushkoff: Narrative Collapse is what happens when we no longer have time in which to tell a story."
[Image: HBO] Via Gregg Morris
Karen Dietz's insight:
ooooh, ooooh, ooooh -- here's a piece about storytelling, technology, and 'presentism' that will get you thinking. Are we experienceing 'narrative collapse'? This is an interivew with Douglas Rushkoff, author of Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now. Rushkoff makes the case that our daily and moment-by-moment interactions with technology are leading to us being always in the present where everything demands our attention and where we are caught up in responding immediately (I probably stated that poorly, but you get the idea). He goes on to say that this tyranny has some good aspects, and some not so good results. One of them is that our stories are changing. Over the last few years, when people say to me that storytelling is changing -- that digital storytelling and transmedia storytelling is radically altering stories -- I seriously question the supposition. Rushkoff is the first one who is making sense about this, and it is the first time that I can say, "Sure, this is happening." Narrative collapse is when video games and role playing fantasies keep a story going without ever ending it. There is no conclusion. And TV shows are becoming similar -- where there is no conclusion, there is no real protagonist, and the story line is not building to a climax. Think Game of Thrones or Once Upon A Time. Lots of mini-climaxes and cliff-hangers, but resolution never ever comes. For me it's exhausting and I've stopped watching shows like that. But there are other points Rushkoff makes about story shifting away from finalizing victories into sustainable experiences. Hmmmm -- you'll have to read the article yourself to form your own opinion. For sure, he presents a very balanced view about "presentism" and narratives chaning, pointing out advantages and disadvantages of both. For myself, I am much more optimistic. Yes, technology is reshaping how we live. And I think it is also reshaping our brain. But when I canvas the whole of the human experience, I still see stories -- and the human dynamics of storytelling in all their glory -- alive and well. I still love how this article makes me pause and reflect. There is more to this article too about oppression, dropping out, the difficulty in managing multiple realities, etc. What do YOU think about all of this? Many thanks to fellow curator Gregg Morris for finding and sharing this! Delete the scoop?
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Via José Carlos
Karen Dietz's insight:
I discovered this from fellow curator Jose and I thought you would find it both interesting and helpful. The bane of storytellers and biz story professionals are decent evaluation tools. We have scant few. I'd say we don't have any at all, but I'm not aware of everything in the universe :) How do you know a story is good? If you hear a less than compelling story, how do you know what's wrong? The same is true for digital stories. And believe me, I view lots of digital stories and pass on most. Now I have some rubrics to help me tell you why. Standard evaluation measures are essential -- they help build consistency and take evaluations out of the land of white-washing or personality contests. These rubrics were developed for teachers, but any business can use them! I hope they help you as you craft your stories, and to know why a story (digital or otherwise) falls flat. Until we have our own Roger & Ebert (so sad they are both gone now), we'll have to find rubrics where we can, eventually develop our own, and keep testing them out and refining them.
Ozzie Gontang, Ph.D.'s comment,
April 10, 11:12 AM
Here's a nice story from the word-detective: The Latin "rubrica" meant "red ochre" (a clay-like soil used in coloring) or red coloring itself, as used in makeup and dyes ("ruber" being the Latin word for "red").
One of the earliest uses of "rubric" in English, in the late 14th century, was in reference to the practice at the time of printing directions for the conduct of services, as well as other instructions and explanations, in red letters in religious texts. These sections of the text, designed to catch the eye and command the attention of worshipers, were known as "rubrics." This use eventually produced two other senses of "rubric," that of "an explanation or definition" and "a rule or custom of conduct." The use of red ink to draw the reader's attention to important points was widespread in secular works as well, and "rubric" was applied to a chapter title or other heading in a book or manuscript printed in red. By the 19th century, this had produced the figurative meaning of "a designation or category"
Karen Dietz's comment,
April 10, 4:08 PM
Love the history of the word Ozzie! Thanks for sharing. And I knowing your metaphoric mind, yes, everything out of your mouth is a story :)
Karen Dietz's comment,
April 11, 11:46 AM
Thank you Ken, Cavett, and Jose for your comments! So glad you found it useful :) Have an awesome weekend.
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Karen Dietz's insight:
What a great article! It is really focused on 6 steps that create the conditions for your ideas to spread. And guess what -- storytelling and/or story triggers play a key role. This post, written by Marina Krakovsky, talks about the new book by Jonah Berger called Contagious: Why Things Catch On. Berger points out that Malcolm Gladwell in his book the Tipping Point is only half right; and that Chip Heath, author of Made To Stick really is only focusing on memorability. Both authors make incredibly valuable points and share valid insights. But Berger focuses on what makes messages get passed along to others. His 6 elements are STEPPS: Social currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical value, and Stories. I love the point he makes about stories and emotions. Just because your story contains emotions does not mean it will get passed on. "We'll remember the story because it's sad," Berger explains, "but we’re not going to share it." Will reading Berger's book and applying his STEPPS make you rich and famous? Maybe not. As he says, "But will applying them make it more likely that 10 people will hear about it rather than 9, or that your sales will increase by 20 or 40%? Certainly.” There's a lot more to this article, so go read it. Thank you Marina for writing such a great review. And I look forward to reading Berger's book. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Mike Ellsworth's curator insight,
April 3, 11:05 AM
Karen Dietz's insight:
What a great article! It is really focused on 6 steps that create the conditions for your ideas to spread.
And guess what -- storytelling and/or story triggersplay a key role.
Berger points out that Malcolm Gladwell in his book theTipping Point is only half right; and that Chip Heath, author of Made To Stick really is only focusing on memorability. Both authors make incredibly valuable points and share valid insights.
But Berger focuses on what makes messages get passed along to others. His 6 elements are STEPPS: Social currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical value, and Stories. ME insight:Another great find from Karen. If you're interested in viralocity, give this a read. Delete the scoop?
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"More than ever before, people see through the self-serving tactics and techniques that others use to persuade them."
"They don't like being pushed, played or nudged to comply, and they resist and resent agenda-driven influencers."
"The alternative is to use real influence to inspire buy-in and commitment."
"To invite genuine buy-in and engagement, we need to listen with a strong personal motive to learn and understand." by Mark Goulston and John Ullmen
Read more: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/03/for_real_influence_use_level_f.html Via Ken Jondahl
Karen Dietz's insight:
It's the week of listening! Here's the 3rd article in 2 days about ways to improve our listening skills. Well, all I can say is, it must be time to focus on listening :) This is what I love about this article that fellow curator Ken Jondahl found: it talks about the 4 types of listening we typically do. And how to avoid those experiences. And how to engage in the kind of listening that does produce powerful insights and results. Yeah. So go listen better and have fun practicing this weekend! 
Ken Jondahl's curator insight,
March 24, 6:24 PM
The authors discuss all 4 levels of listening and how the first 3 fall short.
In sales and marketing the power of story comes alive when we truly listen to our customers using level 4 as described in the article. However, there are many things which get in the way.
If you are in sales or marketing, think about how the customer feels when we do not "tend their story" using level 4 and what bad things can happen. Think about your good and bad "buying" experiences.
Was the person actively listening to your issues and needs? Or were they focused on something else?
To receive a story in sales, be prepared to go first and share a relevant story. Then actively listen and connect with the person telling their story in return.
In story selling, to "positively influence change" we need to build trust one story at a time. Just remember, the majority of these stories should be those of the customer. Delete the scoop?
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Great leaders are able to ask superior questions to achieve great results. If you have all the answers, new ideas & creative solutions may get lost.
Karen Dietz's insight:
Author Claire Laughlin has hit the nail on the head -- curiosity will help you more in business than telling people what to do. Sure, we all need to be directive at times. But most of the time -- particularly as we move from managing to leading -- it is less about being directive and more about sparking conversations. In other words, as leaders we need to master asking for, listening to, and creating meaning from the stories of others. From there we can influence others by sharing stories in return. Learning how to ask for, and listen to stories is critical. And this article helps us understand the role curiosity plays in this dynamic -- how to remain curious as a leader so the critical information we need is not blocked from us. And how to support the curiosity in others so creativity, along with ideas/solutions/innovations, can flourish. Go read the article. There is great wisdom here. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it
Karen Dietz's comment,
March 18, 9:59 PM
So true Renee and I spend quite a bit of time with clients on the 'art of the question.'
Ozzie Gontang, Ph.D.'s curator insight,
March 20, 2:04 PM
We are talking about being in the Learning Mode rather than the Knowing Mode. Delete the scoop?
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A story that is burning inside you. A story that if you told it you knew it would help people. It could make their life better, job easier or help them
Karen Dietz's insight:
This post is perfect for a Friday! Check out this awesome mantra, then go to step 2 and yell "Heck yeah! Let's do that!" So suggests author Michelle Mazure. I'm right with you Michelle. Now let's hear you all roar! This post was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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Why do we ever stop playing and creating? With charm and humor, celebrated Korean author Young-ha Kim invokes the world's greatest artists to urge you to unleash your inner child -- the artist who wanted to play forever.
Karen Dietz's insight:
What a fab video! I love how author Young-ha Kim talks about the origin of storytelling in kids, what happens to our creativity, why storytelling and creativity are important as adults, and how to get unstuck if we think we are not artists. Anyone who tells stories (and we all do) is an artist. Kim links arts, storytelling, and play into one natural activity that we all engage in. I've always said that storytelling is deep play. And we know it is both an art form and a science. Kim talks about what happens when our artistic side is not given expression, and what to do about it. Why did I curate this? Because the more we can understand the creative and artistic nature of storytelling -- and its link to creativity studies, performance art, personal development, and innovation -- the better our stories become and the more influence we can build. The video is in Korean with English subtitles that go by pretty quick. So you will need to watch and pay attention here. But it is a delightful, insightful, and inspiring video that I know you will love. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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Bill Harley, a Friend, storyteller, author, songwriter, teaching artist; two-time Grammy winning artist in the spoken word category; Lifetime Achievement awa...
Karen Dietz's insight:
Bill Harley is one of my storytelling heros. A professional storyteller, Bill is extremely eloquent and inspiring as he talks about the power of telling a story live, in person. Even my software engineering husband Tim stopped his work to listen to Bill's video as I was reviewing it. So what has this got to do with business? It's simple:
Bill explains to us what is really going on. I can't tell you how many times when I work with leaders, they just want to get a story down so they can video tape it. Wrong move!!! And again, Bill tells us why. Technology has a place, and Bill helps us keep it all in perspective. Thank you Bill for this terrific 13 minutes! I'm going to use this in my MBA classes and my work with leaders. Woo hoo! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling at www.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Elsemiek Meijs's curator insight,
February 8, 8:09 AM
Wow! Please take 13 minutes and forget everything else. 
streetsmartprof's curator insight,
February 8, 11:17 AM
Make sure to read the insight by Karen Dietz, the 1st one posted.
This is well worth 13 minutes. They say time stands still during a good story. Look at your watch after Bill understands the boy in the back of the room, you may be surprised... Delete the scoop?
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In the West, plot is commonly thought to revolve around conflict: a confrontation between two or more elements, in which one ultimately dominates the other. The standard three- and five-act plot... (holy guac, this is an awesome article!
Karen Dietz's insight:
Now here's a fascinating 'shake 'em up" article about storytelling and conflict. The basic premis is that in storytelling -- and in biz storytelling -- we are told conflict is absolutely necessary to have to be successful. This article says "Maybe not." The author, who is not named, talks about Western and non-western story models. In the end, not all stories need to be about conflict. Just like all stories don't need to be about a hero (shock, gasp! But it is true). They can instead be about contrast and exploration. Stories can be about community instead of a lone hero. So this article is just a reminder to get out of our storytelling straightjackets and our western myopia. It gets me thinking about my own biz stories. Do I have any that DO NOT contain conflict? Surprise surprise -- yes. And I could craft them to be even more compelling by not getting sucked into adding conflict. Hmmmm -- now that's food for thought and a fun thing to play with! This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it 
Puneet Gupta's curator insight,
January 9, 4:36 AM
Now here's a fascinating 'shake 'em up" article about storytelling and conflict.
The basic premis is that in storytelling -- and in biz storytelling -- we are told conflict is absolutely necessary to have to be successful. This article says "Maybe not."
The author, who is not named, talks about Western and non-western story models. In the end, not all stories need to be about conflict.
Just like all stories don't need to be about a hero (shock, gasp! But it is true).
They can instead be about contrast and exploration. Stories can be about community instead of a lone hero.
So this article is just a reminder to get out of our storytelling straightjackets and our western myopia.
It gets me thinking about my own biz stories. Do I have any that DO NOT contain conflict? Surprise surprise -- yes. And I could craft them to be even more compelling by not getting sucked into adding conflict.
Hmmmm -- now that's food for thought and a fun thing to play with!
This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it
Karen Dietz's comment,
January 9, 2:22 PM
Yes Ozzie, we are constantly telling our stories! There is so much variety in story structures and types of stories. I agree, we need to see storytelling as an expansive experience instead of narrowing down our options to a few types and structures! Thanks for your comment :)
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How Storytelling Can Address the Complex and Intertwining Issues of Modern Society
Karen Dietz's insight:
Business can be complex. Leadership can be complex. Certainly our culture and society is complex. This article gets us thinking -- and includes some fabulous advice -- about how storytelling can help us wade through complex issues, make better decisions, and find a path forward. Today. Right now. As 2013 approaches, let's continue to use stories well, to help grow and excel, instead of to diminish others. There are wise and uplifting words in this piece and steps to take. Let's go this route. Happy New Year everyone. This review was written by Karen Dietz for her curated content on business storytelling atwww.scoop.it/t/just-story-it Delete the scoop?
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