Includes index.

Why tell stories? -- Set a vision for the future -- Set goals and build commitment -- Lead change -- Make recommendations stick -- Define customer service success and failure -- Structure of a story -- Define the culture -- Establish values -- Encourage collaboration and build relationships -- Value diversity and inclusion -- Set policy without rules -- Keep it real -- Stylistic elements -- Inspire and motivate -- Build courage -- Help others find passion for their work -- Appeal to emotion -- The element of surprise -- Teach important lessons -- Provide coaching and feedback -- Demonstrate problem solving -- Help everyone understand the customer -- Metaphors and analogies -- Delegate authority and give permission -- Encourage innovation and creativity -- Sales is everyone's job -- Earn respect on day one -- Recast your audience into the story -- Getting started. Storytelling has come of age in the business world. Today, many of the most successful companies use storytelling as a leadership tool. At Nike, all senior executives are designated "corporate storytellers." 3M banned bullet points years ago and replaced them with a process of writing "strategic narratives." Procter & Gamble hired Hollywood directors to teach its executives storytelling techniques. Some forward-thinking business schools have even added storytelling courses to their management curriculum. The reason for this is simple: stories have the ability to engage an audience the way logic and bullet points alone never could. Whether you are trying to communicate a vision, sell an idea, or inspire commitment, storytelling is a powerful business tool that can mean the difference between mediocre results and phenomenal success. "Lead with a Story" contains both ready-to-use stories and how-to guidance for readers looking to craft their own. Designed for a wide variety of business challenges, the book shows how narrative can help: define culture and values; engender creativity and innovation; foster collaboration and build relationships; provide coaching and feedback; lead change; and more. Whether in a speech or a memo, communicated to one person or a thousand, storytelling is an essential skill for success. Complete with examples from companies like Kellogg's, Merrill-Lynch, Procter & Gamble, National Car Rental, Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, and more, this practical resource gives readers the guidance they need to deliver stories to stunning effect.