But how do they do all this? “Successful leaders communicate very differently from the traditional, abstract approach to communication,” finds Denning. “In all kinds of settings, they communicate by following a hidden pattern: first, they get attention. Then they stimulate desire, and only then do they reinforce with reasons.” Implementing thus, they co-create the future along with their followers, by continuing the conversation…

Words alone won’t work, the author says. You need the right conditions in the form of enablers like “a truthful commitment to a clear, inspiring change idea that is illuminated by narrative intelligence, and appropriate body language”

Denning urges leaders to cultivate ‘narrative intelligence’ as a key capability, because of the pervasive role that stories play. “Recognition of the foundational role of narrative in human behaviour has been the subject of a rapidly growing body of psychological research,” he informs. Studies have shown that stories are more effective than analytic reasons at persuasion!

However, if narrative intelligence has to work, it has to be based on truthfulness, Denning cautions. “Being a leader entails first making a commitment to truth and authenticity, eliminating any untruthfulness inside the firm as well as outside.”

Imperative read.

D. Murali

http://BookPeek.blogspot.com

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