MBA FPX 5002 Assessment 3 Using Stories to Build Relationships

Commitment is established through personal and professional communication between leaders and employees. These interactions enhance understanding among coworkers, fostering shared values and effective collaboration (Grigoreva, 2017). A workplace culture that promotes shared values and collaboration encourages employees to feel valued, included, and motivated (Thompson, 2017). When leaders demonstrate genuine interest and commitment toward their employees, employees, in turn, commit to the company (Heathfield, 2017). Caterpillar Global Paving exemplifies this commitment through its focus on the long-term health and safety of its employees. This commitment is reinforced through collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety professionals and through employee training and certification (“100 Committed Companies,” 2010). Employees who feel valued are more likely to share the organization’s values (Hall, 2014). Communication, particularly through storytelling, is a powerful way to foster shared values, collaboration, and commitment (Schaefer, 2015).

Storytelling is an effective method for building trust and relationships (Hess, 2018). It involves conveying information while instilling trust and strengthening relationships (“The Ariel Group,” 2011). Compelling stories can alter the listener’s brain chemistry, fostering greater trust and understanding (Zak, 2014). Additionally, storytelling engages emotions, making stories memorable and motivational (Fryer, 2003). Leaders can use storytelling to increase employee engagement by activating the listener’s imagination, allowing them to better experience the story. Effective storytelling expresses the storyteller’s personality, ideas, and values, fostering better relationships between leaders and employees. Through storytelling, leaders build trust, establish shared values, and inspire employees to work toward common goals (Schaefer, 2015).

MBA FPX 5002 Assessment 3 Using Stories to Build Relationships

Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, uses storytelling to communicate his values, build relationships, and motivate stakeholders (“Blake Mycoskie,” n.d.). His business model is built around a compelling story that appeals to people’s emotions. Mycoskie shares the story of his visit to Argentina, where he observed the challenges children faced due to a lack of shoes. This experience inspired him to create a for-profit business with a charitable component: for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to someone in need. Through this emotional story, Mycoskie motivates listeners and inspires his employees, stakeholders, and customers (Fryer, 2003).

Different types of stories are effective in different contexts. Personal stories can help establish values and create bonds with listeners (“The Ariel Group,” 2011). These stories help make the storyteller relatable (King, n.d.). Personal business stories, on the other hand, can inspire listeners by drawing on shared experiences. General business stories are used to motivate employees toward change by comparing past challenges with future ideals. Fables are another type of story, often used to teach lessons that resonate with a wide audience (“The Ariel Group,” 2011).

As the new leader of NASA’s engineering team, I would share a general business story highlighting past mistakes and how cultural changes could lead to a safer and more reliable workplace (Snarski, 2017). By identifying past problems and offering solutions, I could motivate my team to work together toward positive change. Storytelling will enable me to foster shared values, build stronger relationships, and encourage open communication (Snarski, 2017).

References

100 Committed Companies. (2010). Retrieved from https://www.ishn.com/articles/89771-100-committed-companies