Storytelling. For Change. For Good.

WHAT WE DO

Barkada Circle® brings the power of story into the following areas of organizational development.

1. Communication rooted in storytelling brings together key stakeholders to the same page. Stories reveal shared values and foster deeper understanding of common goals. The outcome is a shift in the collective consciousness of the organization to create a shared narrative about the mission that has more clarity and focus.

call for conversations

Why Organizations Need Stories

When your organization is subjected to a changing environment that challenges the status quo, people begin to create their own narratives about the situation based on their individual experiences and perspectives. These divergent stories can create confusion and affect morale. How do we wrap our minds around change, make sense of it and move forward?

Leaders need to bring together the people in the organization for essential conversations. Giving everyone a voice in the matter ensures that they feel respected. Storytelling provides the opportunity for everyone to be heard and for the leaders to see the complete picture. Arriving at a shared understanding by all stakeholders is the crucial first step before any decisive action can be the right one.

2. Leadership with storytelling at its core builds a stronger organization. Stories cut through the clutter and engage people on a human level. Leaders who promote a culture of storytelling help team members form a deeper emotional relationship with the mission and with each other.

workshops

Why Leaders Need Stories

Without stories, an organization lacks a compass showing people where they’ve been and where they’re going. An effective leader is the embodiment of this compass with the ability to inspire others and motivate them to act.

A true leader articulates the organization’s vision in ways that build confidence within the people who are charged with executing the mission every day. Stories are the best vehicles for illustrating and stewarding this vision so that people can forge deeper meaning in their work.

3. Transformative Change begins from within the organization when peers engage in collaborative learning to foster critical thinking and trust building. Stories reveal small details that can make a big difference in problem solving. By giving peers the opportunity to coach one another, their stories become solutions that everyone can embrace.

learning circles

Why Teams Need Stories

Organizations are made up of people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. They come with their own personal stories–each shaped by a unique environment and culture. We’ve learned that these should be a source of strength and collective wisdom.

Tapping into shared stories will help to break down organizational silos created by professional, functional or generational differences. The dynamic in the workplace changes to reflect a culture that values diversity, individual talents and personal relationships.

communication design