6 lessons leaders can take from children's storytelling

Well, why not start from the beginning. With the stories that shaped our thoughts and perceptions from when we were just a few years old. The stories that will stay with us forever, through a character we related to, or the emotions we felt.

Children’s stories.

They are some of the most powerful communications in existence, with an appeal that often lasts generations.

So what can we learn from them about what makes a gripping story, and how we can use this to help leaders bring stories to life in the workplace?

6 lessons from children’s stories to help leaders become powerful storytellers

Start by introducing a compelling character

The best children’s books have an unforgettable and unique character.

Consider Harry Potter, Mary Poppins or Peter Rabbit. These characters help keep the narrative alive, because you are keen to follow them on the next stage of their journey.

In business, your character could be your customer, beneficiary, or an employee – but crucially, we must empathise with and relate to them.

Then create a conflict

All good story plots are based on conflict and challenge. Here is an example:

Things start off happily. Then the main character has a big challenge to face; his or her story takes you on a rollercoaster ride where the character faces battles, takes risks, fails at first, and ultimately survives – bringing the story to a satisfying resolution.

And this doesn’t have to be in the present. It could be your leader projecting a story about your company’s future – of how your organisation needs to face the difficulties of standing out in saturated markets, and striving to deliver more for less – how will they face these challenges, and adapt to survive?

Reveal the resolution

This might be positive or negative. Stories shouldn’t just exclusively paint a positive picture! Real life has ups and downs – people connect to stories with drama. Vitally, the conclusion should complete the story but also call your audience to action.

Be sure to help people see themselves in the story

The best children’s stories transport you to another world and make you think ‘That could have been me’ or ‘What would I do if that happened to me?’.

Spark emotions

We remember children’s stories for the sadness, fear or joy we felt whilst we read. As humans, we are hardwired to remember and learn from the emotional impact of stories.

For a CEO or leader to engage and motivate staff, they should share emotional experiences. It is these stories that will make employees’ eyes light up.

And the clincher? Keep it simple!

Look at the language in a children’s book. The short sentences. Short words. Short paragraphs. Children’s stories teach us a lesson in using simple language to great effect.

Consider repetition and alliteration, and make your story easy to repeat and quote from.

Simple wording doesn’t mean lack of depth – consider these words by J. M. Barrie from Peter Pan:

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

If you want staff to feel it in their hearts and talk about it in the corridors, the next time your leader shares a story, consider these six lessons from children’s stories:

1. Create a compelling character
2. Build suspense and drama
3. Reveal the resolution
4. Make it relatable
5. Trigger emotions
6. Keep it clear and concise

So, why wait? Start thinking about how you can use stories in this way today.

Or, in the words of Dr Seuss…

“Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!”