Allan Merten took over George Mason University in 1996. He was not very well known then. But 16 years later, after transforming the University, he is certainly well known. One of his change secrets, shared in an interview on Talk of the Nation, was the importance of telling the story of the changes the University was encouraging. He said:
“Now, we had to tell our story, and we told our story every possible way, in every possible hour of the day, week, month, whatever it meant to us.”
Today’s secret for successful change:
Tell the story! in every way, time, and place.
What’s in a story?
- Stories are powerful.
- Stories allow us to connect with one another, to know each other as individuals.
- Stories can rally an organization around a dream of a better future.
- Stories can remind people of their roots.
- Stories can energize people to action.
- Stories can focus the collective mind on solutions.
- Stories inspire.
- Stories can be powerful tools to change organizations.
Why are stories effective in changing organizations?
- Stories are natural and easy. We seem to have the ability to tell and follow a story from a very early age. It seems to be a natural capacity. Listening to stories is invigorating, refreshing and energizing. Stories invite the listener to visualize a different world. The shared imagining of the teller and listener creates a common space where change becomes desirable.
- Stories help cope with the complex. Stories provide a simple way to communicate complexity. Organizations, and the changes that are needed in them, are complicated entities. People can more easily understand and make sense of change by telling stories to each other.
- Stories bypass resistance. The mind doesn’t critique stories, but follow and projecting on to it. The listeners are not analyzing it. They are living it. The mindset is fundamentally different, more collaborative than critical.
- Stories engage our feelings. By engaging our emotions, stories get to deep meaning. John Kotter has made it clear that we need to see and feel in order to change. Emotions can help or hinder change. Change leaders who tell stories, make their points in a way that is emotionally engaging and compelling.
Remember. . .
For effective change, tell stories: About the reason for your vision; about the everyday new meanings; about the successful changes already happening; about individuals with vision; about where you are going. Stories are one of your best friends for achieving successful transformation.
Share your thoughts
Do you have a story about successful change? Have you seen the power of story working to facilitate change? Leave your answers in the Comments area below, and let’s get a conversation going.
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Photo by: urbanlegend