A little more on storytelling

If you get a moment (40 minutes to be precise) have a listen to the BBC broadcast, 'The Pleasures and  Perils of Storytelling'.  (An episode from the series, The Forum').


http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03ggdc1


Three experts discuss why storytelling is so powerful as well as its limits.  A few key messages to come from the programme:

• People seek simplicity, but crave empathy more.
• People who read a lot of fiction are more empathic.
• Stories are effective ways of linking facts, meaning and emotion.
• We like stories that we can relate to, emotionally.
• We like stories that put us in a place of awe; that force us to accommodate new learning.
• Leaders should not only be adept at storytelling but also in listening to and gathering the stories that their followers tell.
• We should be wary of over-simplification; the complex problems we face today may not be explainable through narrative.

Gut feel and decision-making

There is a lot of research going on about how leaders can make good quality decisions when facing complex situations.  We've been working with one client who wants their leaders to think with the head, the heart and the gut - using cognition, emotion and intuition to deal with complexity.

A colleague recently sent me this link to Dan Siegel's page, which gives a very good explanation of why sometimes when we want make a 'decision on gut feel' we shouldn't ignore it.

http://www.drdansiegel.com/blog/2016/01/23/science-says-listen-to-your-gut/

Metaphor

The ability of leaders to tell stories that inspire, has often been recommended as a powerful tool.  The use of metaphor, is a way of explaining complex concepts in a simple way which can connect people with the emotional content of a message, while also allowing a story to be re-told and passed across boundaries and generations.

So, it was interesting to read in the December 2015 issue of the Psychologist about how metaphor works, and how it is associated with a particular style of thinking:

Above all... don't take it all too seriously....

Anyone who grew up in the UK in the 60's, 70's or 80's will almost certainly have come into contact with Ladybird Books.  In a stroke of genius, the publishers have recently created some adult versions, using the original artwork from the childrens' books.  These two images are taken from the one on 'Mindfulness'.  

Look after yourself, but have Frazzles once in a while too.  

Do something new.

Want to try a new hobby in 2016?  Have you always yearned to do something, but never had the courage/time/commitment to actually do it?  Why not do it this year?  If you are looking for ideas,  try this website:

http://discoverahobby.com/

Count your blessings (again)

Earlier in the month we published a short post on the value of gratitude.  (See post 17 Jan 2016).

Here is a rather useful website.  Not only does the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence show some of the benefits of practising gratitude, it gives some very useful ideas on how to do it.

http://ei.yale.edu/what-is-gratitude/

Take pride...

Remember Barbara Fredrickson's 10 forms of positivity?  (See post 2 Jan 2016).   We are often taught as young children that pride is a 'sin' or at least something to be discouraged.  However, well-directed pride can aid your sense of well-being.  Take a moment to review the things you have done today that make you feel proud.