Using the ‘hero’s journey’ arc to tell employees’ stories

How many of your childhood bedtime stories started, “Once upon a time”?

Probably more than you can recall.

Whatever the unfolding plot was, you knew it would contain a beginning, a middle and an end, with ups and downs along the way.

Any mild peril that the story’s hero or heroine faced was always resolved; their journey through the treacherous jungle or to the top of the villain’s castle to defeat the enemy was done without a hair out of place. These tales from faraway lands were—unbeknown to your younger self—structured perfectly. The format always worked, and it never strayed off course. The narrative was on point; it told you what the hero was doing, why they were doing it, where they had come from and where they were going. All neat and tidy.

Storytelling’s enduring power Fast-forward a few years (OK, maybe 20 or 30) and that kind of narrative is still what makes us buy into something in the workplace. Its strategic positioning means it encourages alignment, unity and inspiration. Being part of an organization that places strong emphasis on compelling and authentic storytelling is a career highlight, both for you—the internal communicator—and the employees. The comfort of a favorite bedtime story has become a grownup reality, with just a bit more pocket money.