Humans have been telling stories since the dawn of time. It’s how we share information, experiences, and traditions. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used in HR to improve communication, engage employees and create a more cohesive company culture.
In today’s business world, the traditional top-down approach with Powerpoint presentations to communication is no longer effective. Employees are inundated with too much information, and they’re often disconnected from the company’s mission and values.
Storytelling can help bridge that gap by providing context and meaning to the information being presented.
When used correctly, stories can:
- Relay important information in a way that is memorable and engaging.
- Showcase company values and traditions.
- Give employees a better understanding of their role within the organization
- Help create a more cohesive work environment.
If you’re looking to incorporate storytelling into your HR strategy, here are four ways to do it:
1. Use stories to communicate important information
If you have ever been in a meeting where the presenter drones on and on, you know how important it is to keep your audience engaged.
One way to do this is to use stories to communicate important information. Instead of just listing off facts and figures, tell a story that will illustrate your point. This will help your audience to better understand and remember the information you are trying to communicate.
For example:
Instead of saying: “Our company has been in business for 10 years,” say: “Our company was founded in 2010 by two entrepreneurs who had the vision to change the way businesses operate.”
The latter is a compelling story that illustrates exactly when the company was started, by who, and the vision they had. This helps the listener to connect with the company and understand its values.
2. Use stories to showcase company values and traditions
Your company culture is what sets you apart from other organizations. It is important to use stories to showcase the values and traditions that make your company unique. By sharing stories about your company history, how it started, and what it stands for, you can help to instill a sense of pride and belonging in your employees.
Using the premise, conflict, and resolution pitch is the best way to showcase your company’s story.
Premise: What your company does
Conflict: The challenges your company has overcome
Resolution: How your company has succeeded in spite of the challenges
For example:
“Our company was founded in 2010 by two entrepreneurs who had the vision to change the way businesses operate. They saw the traditional way of doing business was no longer effective and set out to create a new model. The challenges they faced were significant, but they persevered and were able to create a successful company.”
3. Use stories to give employees a better understanding of their role within the organization
Your employees are the backbone of your organization. It is important that they understand their role within the company and how their work contributes to the overall success of the business. Telling stories about how employees have made a difference in the past can help to inspire and motivate them to do their best work.
For example:
“One of our employees, Sarah, was recently recognized by her team for going above and beyond to help a customer. She went out of her way to make sure the customer was happy and received the best possible service. Her team was so impressed with her dedication and commitment to excellence that they nominated her for the Employee of the Month award.”
Little stories like this help new employees and current ones to do more to get recognized by their leaders and managers. It also makes the organization feel like a family instead of just another place to work.
4. Use stories to engage employees
Employee engagement is essential for any organization that wants to be successful. One way to engage employees is to use stories to connect with them on a personal level. Like sharing a story that can relate to the employee.
For example:
“When I first started working at the company, I was really struggling to find my place. I didn’t know anyone, and I felt like I was just going through the motions. But then I met Sarah, and she helped me to see that there was more to this company than I realized. She showed me that it was possible to be successful here and to make a difference. I slowly started to change my attitude and get more involved in my work. And now, I love coming to work every day, and I feel like I’m really part of something special.”
Hearing stories like this can help other employees to see that they, too, can overcome challenges and find success within the company. It can also help to build a sense of camaraderie and unity within the workplace.
Storytelling can be a powerful tool for HR
By sharing stories about your company and its employees, you can create a stronger bond between the two. This will help to create a more positive and productive work environment.
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to improve communication, engage employees, and create a more cohesive company culture.
If you are not using stories as part of your HR strategy, you are missing out on a great opportunity to connect with your employees and inspire them to do their best work.