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

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.

Lori L. Silverman has authored Stories Trainers Tell (with Mary Wacker, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 2003), Wake Me Up When the Data Is Over: How Organizations Use Stories to Drive Results (Jossey-Bass, 2006), and Business Storytelling for Dummies (with Karen Dietz, PhD, Wiley, 2013). Bright House Networks, APHL, Lydig Construction, Homewatch Caregivers, and conference attendees have benefitted from her highly energized, practical, results-driven approach to the subject as a hands-on consultant and keynote and workshop presenter. Lori's also showcased tangible outcomes from workplace story use on more than 70 radio and TV shows.
As owner of Partners for Progress®, for 25 years she's facilitated enterprise-wide change and strategic planning initiatives for organizations such as American Family Insurance, the American Legion Auxiliary, Bechtel, Chevron, Duquesne University, Valmet, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Lori holds an M.S. degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an MBA from Edgewood College.
You can reach her at lori@partnersforprogress.com and through partnersforprogress.com or business-storytelling.com (free articles and videos).