Stories for Work

Stories for Work

by Gabrielle Dolan
Released April 2017
Publisher(s): Wiley
ISBN: 9780730343295

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Book description

Learn the science and master the art of telling a great story

Stories for Work walks you through the science of storytelling, revealing the secrets behind great storytellers and showing you how to master the art of storytelling in business. Stories hold a unique place in our psyche, and the right story at the right time can be a game-changer in business; whether tragedy, triumph, tension or transition, a good story can captivate the listener and help you achieve your goals. In this book, author Gabrielle Dolan draws from a decade of training business leaders in storytelling to show you what works, why it works, when it works best and what never works. You'll learn how to create your own stories — authentically yours, crafted to attain your goal — and develop an instinct for sharing when the time is right. In-depth case studies feature real-world people in real-world businesses, showing how storytelling has changed the way they work, motivate and lead — providing clear examples of the power of this enormously effective skill.

Storytelling gives you an edge. Whether you're after a promotion, a difficult client, a big sale or leading through transition, a great story can help you smooth the road and seal the deal. This book is your personal coach for masterful storytelling, with expert guidance and lessons learned from real-world business leaders.

  • Learn why storytelling grabs attention and helps your message get through
  • Master the four types of stories used in business settings
  • Infuse your stories with the personal to highlight your vision and values
  • Craft a selection of stories to pull out at pivotal business moments

The oral tradition has ancient roots that unite all humans, and despite our myriad modern distractions, we still respond to a well-told story. Stories for Work helps you put this dynamic to work for you in any business scenario.

Table of contents

  1. About the author
  2. Acknowledgements
  3. Introduction
  4. Part I: Shaping your stories
    1. Chapter 1: The science of storytelling
      1. The brain behind the story
      2. Attention, please!
      3. Make your stories work
    2. Chapter 2: Four types of stories you need in business
      1. Outlining the four story types
      2. Stories that work
      3. Make your stories work
    3. Chapter 3: How to find stories for work
      1. Two ways of finding stories
      2. What story, when?
      3. Make your stories work
    4. Chapter 4: How to construct and share your stories
      1. The beginning
      2. The middle
      3. The end
      4. Practice makes perfect
      5. Where to share your stories
      6. Make your stories work
  5. Part II: Sharing your stories
    1. Chapter 5: Stories that work for presentations
      1. Start well …
      2. … And don’t stop there
      3. Make your stories work
    2. Chapter 6: Stories that work for change
      1. Storytelling for organisational change
      2. Make your stories work
    3. Chapter 7: Stories that work for sales
      1. Three ways to identify stories for sales
      2. Make your stories work
    4. Chapter 8: Stories that work for values and vision
      1. Where’s the value?
      2. Heard it through the …
      3. Make your stories work
    5. Chapter 9: Stories that work for your personal brand
      1. SEA your brand
      2. It takes three
      3. Make your stories work
    6. Chapter 10: Stories that work for coaching
      1. Make your stories work
    7. Chapter 11: Stories that work for job interviews
      1. Moving with the times
      2. How stories help
      3. Make your stories work
    8. Chapter 12: Stories that work for newsletters and blogs
      1. Make your stories work
  6. Part III: Storytelling case studies
    1. Chapter 13: Australia Post Case Study
      1. The challenge
      2. The opportunity
      3. The process
      4. The outcome
      5. Make your stories work
    2. Chapter 14: Bupa Case Study
      1. The challenge
      2. The opportunity
      3. The process
      4. The outcome
      5. Make your stories work
    3. Chapter 15: Spark case study
      1. The challenge
      2. The opportunity
      3. The process
      4. The outcome
      5. Make your stories work
  7. Conclusion
    1. Secrets to make your stories work
  8. Next steps
  9. Index
  10. Connect and share
  11. EULA

Product information

  • Title: Stories for Work
  • Author(s): Gabrielle Dolan
  • Release date: April 2017
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9780730343295