Take a satirical scamper through organizational life in the midstof changing times, brought to you by master storyteller andformer World Bank executive Steve Denning. With wisdom and ahealthy dose of wit, Denning introduces a cast of furry characterswho together learn the fine art of change through storytelling intheir quest to overcome obstacles, generate enthusiasm andteamwork, share knowledge, and ultimately lead their company into anew era of success and significance. Through the stories ofSquirrel Inc., readers will learn that the ability to tellthe right story at the right time can determine the outcome of anymajor change effort. In each chapter Denning's squirrels learn touse storytelling to address leadership challenges:* How to bring about change* How to communicate who you are* How to transmit values* How to foster collaboration* How to stop rumors* How to share knowledge* How to lead your organization into the future

Preface xiiiThe author explains the purpose of the book and the process bywhich it came to be written.Part One1 Squirrel Inc.: How to Craft a Story to Spark OrganizationalChange 3Diana is an up-and-coming executive at Squirrel Inc., anorganization in decline. She seeks guidance from a bartender on howto persuade the organization to change. She learns, in nine steps,how to craft a story to communicate a complex idea and sparkaction.2 Diana Tells Her Story: How to Perform the Story to SparkChange 25After initial success with her story at Squirrel Inc., Dianareturns to seek further guidance from the bartender on how toenhance the performance of her story.Part Two3 Save Squirrel Inc. Night: Seven Types of OrganizationalStorytelling 41After the success of her story with the managing committee ofSquirrel Inc., Diana joins employees to explore other ways in whichstorytelling can help address the challenges the firm isfacing.4 Whyse's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Reveal Who YouAre and Build Trust 49Whyse shows how storytelling can enhance communication incorporate environments by communicating who you are.5 Hester's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Get Individualsto Work Together 59Hester shows how storytelling can be used to get individualsworking together. She presents five steps to craft a story fornurturing a community.6 Mark's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Transmit Values69Mark shows how stories that are told and retold in aorganization, particularly about the organization's leaders,transmit the organization's values.7 Mocha's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Tame theGrapevine 79Mocha shows how humor can be used to harness the power of theinformal network of communication in an organization and to tamethe grapevine by neutralizing rumors and bad news.8 Howe's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Share Knowledge89Howe shows how the sharing of knowledge takes place through aparticular kind of narrative.9 Sandra's Story: How to Use Storytelling to Create a Future101Sandra shows how future stories--visions, business models,scenarios--help organizations move into the future. MeanwhileHowe reveals some unexpected developments within Squirrel Inc.10 Howe Upsets the Acorns: How Individuals and OrganizationsReact to Change 115The discussion in the bar now turns to what will happen next atSquirrel Inc. Will the old way of doing business triumph? Or willSquirrel Inc. carry through with the change? The characters explorethese and other possibilities.Part Three11 The Journey of a Leader: Staying Alive Through the Dangersof Leadership 127As the continuing tale of Squirrel Inc. unfolds, the charactersencounter a variety of surprises and Diana goes on a journey.12 The Return to Squirrel Inc.: Living the Story as Well asTelling It 143We learn the impact of storytelling on Squirrel Inc. and onDiana herself.Seven High-Value Forms of Organizational Storytelling 150The nature, form, and purpose of seven high-value kinds oforganizational storytelling are compared, in a table.Notes 155Further reading 169Write to the author 177Acknowledgments 179About the author 181