Storytelling_A_ Key_Competence_For_Project_Managers.pdf

In this presentation, we'll delve into the power of storytelling as an essential skill for project managers. We'll move beyond dry presentations and explore how crafting compelling narratives can significantly boost your effectiveness. You'll discover how storytelling can be used to build stronger relationships with stakeholders, simplify complex information, and create a clear vision for your project. By the end, you'll be equipped with practical tips to harness the power of storytelling and become a more influential project leader.

2. Storytelling - a key competence
This article argues that storytelling is a crucial skill for project managers to possess.

The writer attended a Stephen Carver presentation. Stephen is a senior lecturer at
Cranfield School of management. He has experience of Project and Programme
Management in almost all business sectors, from banks to oil and from construction to law
firms.

He spoke about successful project management through telling stories.

3. Why is storytelling important for
project managers?

4. 1.Engages and motivates stakeholders
Stories can capture attention, make complex information relatable, and build emotional
connections with stakeholders, leading to increased buy-in and support.

2.Improves communication
Storytelling helps communicate project goals, challenges, and successes in a clear, concise,
and memorable way, fostering understanding and collaboration.

3.Promotes change management
Stories can effectively convey the "why" behind changes, making them more palatable and
encouraging adoption.

4.Builds trust and relationships
Sharing personal anecdotes and experiences can humanize project managers and foster
stronger relationships with team members and clients.

5. A good project has some striking
similarities to a good story.
1. Has characters

2. Engages the "mind's eye"

3. Takes the audience on an emotional journey

4. Has structure

5. Makes an impact

6. Is remembered

6. How can project managers develop
their storytelling skills?

7. 1.Practice
Start small by incorporating stories into your everyday communication.

2.Observe and learn
Pay attention to how others use storytelling effectively.

3.Seek feedback
Ask colleagues or mentors for feedback on your storytelling skills.

4.Use storytelling resources
Read books, articles, and blogs on storytelling techniques.

8. Part of storytelling is projecting the right image of you, your project and your message –
one that sticks, and one that people will remember.

Cameron Russell is a model and while she appears in a short skirt in the TEDx Event she
makes an outfit change on stage to change the audience perception of her, before telling
her story.

The TEDx Talk is "Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model"

Her concluding remark is that she hopes we will all feel more comfortable acknowledging
our perceived successes and our perceived failures.

Storytelling example

9. Overall, the article emphasizes that storytelling is not just a "soft skill" but a valuable tool for
project managers to connect with stakeholders, communicate effectively, and achieve
project success.

Conclusion

10. Subtitle
Final text/thoughts
THANK YOU!