December 21, 2019

Embracing storytelling in the strategic plan of your public purpose organisation

Storytelling is how we exchange ideas and make sense of the world as social and interconnected beings. Great storytelling captures people’s attention, takes them on a journey, encourages change and innovation, and sparks actions... How can storytelling inspire your strategic plan?

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Q: What’s the difference between Dr. Seuss and your strategic plan?

A: The ‘Cat in the Hat’ might be telling a better story.

Why?

At its heart, strategic planning is the art of storytelling.

Grabbing the attention of your audience, taking them on a journey, intriguing them, capturing their imagination, winning their support, and sparking action.

In an increasingly busy, noisy and contested public purpose ecosystem, it’s vital that your organisation’s story is clear and compelling.

Don’t rush your strategic plan drafting – it’s critical to remember you are telling a story, and good storytelling is an artform. Take the time to craft a vibrant and engaging story that only your organisation can tell.

To help you cut-through, here are five principles of good storytelling, and how you might apply them to your strategic plan.

And remember to make it an enjoyable, inclusive process! As the Cat in the Hat would say, ‘It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how’…

About the Author

Ben Schramm is Cube’s founder and managing partner. He has over 25 years experience consulting to public purpose clients across Australia, including federal, state and local government, a vast array of public entities, community service organisations and industry associations. He works in partnership with clients to develop bold strategic plans, strengthen leadership performance and design operating models that achieve real, enduring change.

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