Knowing some storytelling techniques can save the day. They are highly effective when it comes to solving workplace problems.
Did you know that we spend almost a third of our adult lives at work? Because of that, our exposure to stress is tripled. Conflict is sure to exist in an environment where everyone’s responsibilities, expectations, and personalities often differ and clash.
What better way to show you how relevant storytelling is than a storytelling work setting?
I’m talking about storytelling services. In this setting, employees create brand stories and digital content.
But storytelling services are not just filled with writers.
This field also employs web developers, project managers, production editors, and photo specialists, among others.
Looking at this roster, all sorts of creative juices flow from these minds. And you know what can happen when you put these people in one place.
- Clash of Ideas
- Creative Conflict
- Confrontations
- Workplace Issues
Conflict at work is inevitable, storytelling techniques can save the day.
Employees frequently encounter a variety of problems at work. But whatever problem there is, one thing’s for sure. It will have a massive impact on performance productivity and work quality.
To thrive, companies must embody the following values:
- Positivity
- Care
- Creativity
But all this cannot be achieved if problems exist in the workplace. What are some of these problems?
- Interpersonal conflict
- Performance issues
- Low motivation
- Client issues
- Lack of communication
How can you resolve all this?
You go back to basics. That’s through storytelling.
How can storytelling techniques help solve workplace problems?
We may not be aware of it, but we use storytelling at all times. It is used to make our children go to bed. Another uses it to advise a friend.
We also use it to solve problems. You can create imaginative answers to typical business difficulties by imagining real-world scenarios and working backward to transform that circumstance into a story.
Here are three reasons why storytelling can do that:
Storytelling gives a better understanding of the issue and needs.
In a company that focuses on creating and sharing others’ stories, one of the most prevalent issues is how the team can share them in the most credible way. You can do that by understanding the inner motivations of the clients.
When you have a firm grasp of what the client wants, it’s easy for you to present it for the world to see. This firm grasp is a result of applying storytelling techniques.
Storytelling helps you communicate complex ideas in a simple way.
Creative people have complex ideas. However, the idea of a writer is different from the idea of the director. They have distinct interpretations, which can lead to creative outbursts.
Storytelling techniques allow them to simplify their thoughts and views so that the other can meet them halfway.
Storytelling builds rapport and trust among employees
A company’s best asset is its employees – the team members. This asset is not considered per individual. It’s their authentic connection. Shared experiences create a solid and lasting bond among these people.
When there’s trust and rapport, you ensure no argument will arise. And if there will be, it will be easy to iron out.
Why use storytelling techniques to help solve workplace problems?
You lead a team tasked to produce a story piece for an upcoming company convention. However, a problem arises as to the kind of presentation you will use.
The production meeting ended in a heated argument between conflicting ideas and creative issues. What do you do?
It’s time to put some storytelling techniques into use.
First, you need to embrace and understand the problem. It’s acknowledging the plot of the story.
What is the problem that surfaced from the production meeting is like asking what the plot of a story is.
Second, you need to identify the root cause of the issue.
Is it the ego of your team members? Is it the vagueness of the project?
Asking these questions allows you to find the core issue just like identifying a character’s dilemma in a narrative.
Third, looking at previous conflicts can help you find solutions. One way or another, stories are similar.
Perhaps, there was another project you had that had similar issues. Recalling and telling them can make everyone realize the right actions to take.
Fourth, effective communication is a mark of great storytelling. When the members of the production team are at odds with one another, a good dose of open communication can stop the friction.
A dose of open communication using storytelling techniques can help your team thrive.
Listen to what one has to say first. We would not know until after a few pages if the hero’s deed resulted in success or a consequence.
Speaking of success, stories that highlight it can only propel the team to go for it. Sharing success stories is the last technique.
Nothing motivates people better than knowing that all their efforts will not go to waste, much like the successful characters or people you describe. Success stories foster clarity and credibility, which are needed to solve a problem.
Final Thoughts
Embracing and identifying the problem kicks off the story. The plot is understood. Previous conflicts and effective communication are the central elements wherein the conflict builds and resolution is obtained. Success stories conclude the narrative. The solution comes full circle.
Applying storytelling techniques brings nothing but benefits in the workplace. You can better understand the situation, simplify matters, and encourage trust. Sharing stories can also help your team envision the tasks and desired goals.
So, why don’t you go ahead and try these storytelling techniques? Apply them now and achieve the success your team deserves!
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“I have read thousands of books, but this is the only one that magically mixes ideals with reals”
“It made me realize that telling a story shouldn’t just revolve around yourself, but we should be thinking about how we can relate it to others”
“The Story Habit is a lucid, practical roadmap for doing something the most successful people in any organization learn to do–influence others effectively.”
“The Story Habit gives you concise, easy to follow tools for using the stories you collect across all facets of your life (experiences you live, see, read about, or have shared to you) as a way to help create the change you want in your life.”
