Information and data analysis is important, but it can also become a deterant to change. Dry facts and boring spreadsheets do not help people see the need for change. People want and need to be inspired and good stories inspire people. Stories are important because they allow people to engage the future by developing images of how they see their organization impacting the future. You can create compelling stories by developing scenarios of how you envision the future. Scenarios should have a plot and a storyline. They should describe relationships, events and outcomes. Scenarios are not predictions about the future, but they are descriptions of the future you envision as you accomplish your mission and vision.
Scenarios tell stories based on your pursuit of mission and vision. Scenario development can be as simple as having people write stories that describe what they feel your organization would look like if you accomplished your mission. It can also be a deeper process that involves gathering data regarding critical forces and drivers that will influence your organization, assessing this data and developing multiple scenarios based on this research.
People need to be inspired if they are ever going to aspire to work hard toward achieving the mission and vision. Stories are a source of inspiration. Organizational guru, Peter Senge says leaders can spend too much time focusing on systems and structures. He says that doing this gives attention to the how, not the what or the why. Senge says that strong leaders must also be good storytellers. Stories help people see and feel the purpose of the organization. Stories help others visualize what you are trying to become.
Scenario inspired stories allow people to "put on" your vision, develop ownership and become truly excited about the direction and focus of the organization. Raving fans emerge as stories reflect the reality of who you are and where you are going.
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