Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over: How Organizations Use Stories to Drive Results - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 047048330X ISBN 13: 9780470483305

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2006

Synopsis

This book includes real-life examples from over 70 respected organizations, small and large, representing a multitude of industries using stories to drive results. Leaders from organizations such as Microsoft, Lands’ End, Verizon, U.S. Air Force, and World Vision demonstrate the strong positive influence stories can have. No abstract theories or platitudes are conveyed here. The book spells out how Kevin Roberts, CEO worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi, achieved sustained sales growth after several mergers and downsizings caused the organization to fall on hard times. It also shows how Erik Shaw, president and CEO of FivePoint Federal Credit Union, overcame resistance to an organizational name change, resulting in membership growth exceeding the national average.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Praise for Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over

"An easy-to-read, well-organized compilation of stories that demonstrate their power across a broad spectrum of business needs."
―Ellen Bovarnick, vice president, Business Process Excellence, The Coca-Cola Company

"Offers fresh ideas for introducing stories into organizations and inspiring better leadership through them. A well-researched and lively reference for leaders."
―John Alexander, president, Center for Creative Leadership

"Takes the concept of organizational stories from a pleasant idea to a practical means to advance strategy, product development, and ultimately shareholder value."
―Anita Brick, director, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business

"Loved the book. My hope is that it will create a new generation of leaders who will stop numbing people with spreadsheets and pie charts, and start inspiring them with stories that illuminate mission, values, and goals."
―Frank D. Byrne, M.D., president, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, a part of the SSM HealthCare system

"Leaders in all walks will benefit from Silverman's real-world accounts of storytelling successes in high-performing organizations."
―Daniel M. Sprague, CEO, The Council of State Governments

"A customer service story, a story illustrating our history, or a story exhibiting commitment to shared goals can inspire more deeply than a directive from on high. Put flesh on the bone. Tell a story."
―Arne M. Sorenson, CFO, Marriott International

"When just about every fact is but one mouse click away, stories take on new importance. From leadership to branding, narrative has become an essential tool. These essays offer savvy advice on how to unleash the power of stories in your organization."
―Daniel H. Pink, author, A Whole New Mind

"Illustrates how the use of stories will help your organization achieve positive outcomes. A must-read for anyone in an organization facing significant change."
―Vicki L. Chvala, executive vice president, American Family Insurance

Contributors include Madelyn Blair, Evelyn Clark, Karen Dietz, Marcy Fisher, Alicia Korten, Denise Lee, Sylvia L. Lovely, Michael J. Margolis, North McKinnon, Susan J. Moore, Susan M. Osborn, Ashraf Ramzy, Steven N. Silverman, Susan Stites, Joanna Truitt, and Jo Tyler

For more book information, see www.wakeupmycompany.com

From the Inside Flap

Do you wish you could more fully engage your employees? Or reduce turnover by 25% or more? Do you need to quickly align staff around the organization's long-term strategy? Or achieve double-digit growth? Then this groundbreaking book is for you.

Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over includes real-life examples from over 70 respected organizations, small and large, representing a multitude of industries, using stories to drive results. Leaders from organizations such as Microsoft, Lands' End, Verizon, the U.S. Air Force, and World Vision demonstrate the strong positive influence stories can have.

No abstract theories or platitudes are conveyed here. The book spells out how Kevin Roberts, CEO worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi, achieved sustained sales growth after several mergers and downsizings caused the organization to fall on hard times. It also shows how Erik Shaw, president and CEO of FivePoint Federal Credit Union, overcame resistance to an organizational name change, resulting in membership growth exceeding the national average.

In this hands-on guide, learn how stories can be used to:

• Get employees to take action
• Accelerate knowledge acquisition and organizational change
• Solidify individual and team working relationships
• Provide exceptional customer service
• Increase the visibility of your organization

Drawing on interviews with 171 public and private sector leaders, this book goes beyond storytelling to reveal five keys to making stories work for you: how to find existing stories, dig into them to uncover hidden patterns and themes, select those stories that need to be reinforced, craft memorable stories, and embody stories to positively impact people's attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. It also includes proven tools and techniques that will help you sharpen these skills.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 047048330X
• ISBN 13: 9780470483305
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320
• Editor: Silverman Lori L.