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Storytelling for leaders
The story of me The story of us

Choose this type of story if you want to tell the world Choose this type of story if you want to talk about why
Step 1 about yourself and your personal journey as a leader. your organization, brand, or team is unique.
Choosing
your story
The story of an idea The story of results

Directions Choose this type of story if you want to explore the ideas Choose this type of story if you want to share how your
Start with an initial idea. that drive you and your work. work is making an impact in the world.
1 Think about a story you need to tell in a

more powerful way. Which type of story
is it? Choose one story type: The story
of me, the story of us, the story of an idea,
or the story of results.
2
Once you’ve chosen the type of story
you need to tell, add some quick notes
about the topic of your story. What’s
your story about, specifically? Get these
early outlines on paper.
© sypartners
You World
Step 2
Components
“Once upon a time...” A world view
Setting the scene can help the audience connect Many great stories have perspective—an angle or lens
to the story as if they were there when it happened. that shapes the telling of the story, and what people take
of your What’s the scene for your story? away from it.
story
Directions
Directions
Find the components of your great story. Great characters Challenging situations
Heroes. Villains. Supporting characters. Who or what We learn a lot about people through their toughest
you choose—and what their characteristics and traits moments—their near-death experiences, moments of
are—is critical to the action and meaning of your story... lapsed judgement, and foibles.
1 Select 4-5 components that seem particularly

suited to the story you need to tell.
2
Write in your own details in the blank space
on the cards provided—short sentences or
bullet points will do.
3 When you’ve filled in your 4-5 cards, cut

them out and set them aside. You’re going
to need them later.
© sypartners
Conflict Drama Lessons learned
Challenging situations and moments of change naturally A heightened sense of drama keeps the audience Everyone has learned lessons through experiences
lead to conflict—between people, values, the past versus riveted to the story. that are worthy of sharing.
the future, big bets versus the status quo. What’s the drama in your story? What lessons are learned in, or from, your story?
New possibility “Happily ever after...”

When your story is about what might be possible in the Sometimes the job of a story is to leave the audience
future—not just what has happened in the past—a story with a sense of resolution and wellbeing.
might include a future view. What’s the warm, fuzzy feeling we get from
your story?
© sypartners
Coming Of Age
After years of learning and growing, you’ve reached a milestone.
You know who you are. You are strong, experienced, and confident.
Step 3 You’re ready to take on whatever comes next.
Story
Use this archetype to show experience
and strength.
archetypes
Directions
As any philosopher will tell you, the stories that
humans tell tend to fall into patterns. We call
them archetypes. Overcoming Obstacles
You hit a roadblock and almost failed. It was a struggle. You challenged
your assumptions, made tough decisions, fought hard… and won.
1 Consider the components of the story you Use this archetype to demonstrate resilience.
selected, to help you make your decision.
2 When you’ve chosen your story’s archetype,

congrats! Cut it out and set it aside.
3 Ask yourself:
+ Which of these archetypes feels
most like my story?
+ Which narrative arc best matches
my story’s narrative arc?
+ What sort of argument do I need
to communicate with this story,
and which archetype gets me there?
© sypartners
Constant Evolution
You never rest. Over and over, you’ve evolved to handle whatever
comes your way. You keep moving, adapting to the world around you
and maybe even anticipating its change.
Use this archetype to prove adaptability.
True As It Ever Was

Your purpose and values have endured throughout the years.
The world has evolved and you’ve changed with it, but your core
beliefs have remained intact. They guide everything you do.
Use this archetype to communicate steadiness or reinforce
the audience’s trust.
© sypartners
Rebirth
Over time, you’ve accumulated a wealth of experience and
knowledge. Today, you’re harnessing that to start a whole
new chapter, and become an even better version of yourself.
Use this archetype to explain a new direction.
Quest
You’ve always had a clear objective and you’ve pursued it relentlessly.
Over time, you’ve summoned your talent and passion to turn your vision
into reality. Through twists and turns, you’ve maintained your focus, and
you will never let it go.
Use these archetype to recommit or demonstrate dedication.
© sypartners
Step 4
Crafting
your story
Directions
Alright, Shakespeare, let’s try it.
1 Draft your story, with the components in

the order and narrative arc you’ve selected,
in words. Just take a stab at it—put a pen
to the paper provided here.
2 Don’t forget: Add lots of details! What did

it look and feel like when these things
happened? Often times, the details are the
easiest entry way to start writing.
3 Once you’ve written it out, get creative about

how else this story could be expressed.
Should it include imagery? Should it be
a presentation of slides? Should it be a
video with voiceover? Imagine away!
© sypartners
© sypartners
© sypartners

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Storytelling for leaders

The story of me The story of us

The story of an idea The story of results

1 Think about a story you need to tell in a

1 Select 4-5 components that seem particularly

3 When you’ve filled in your 4-5 cards, cut

New possibility “Happily ever after...”

2 When you’ve chosen your story’s archetype,

True As It Ever Was

1 Draft your story, with the components in

2 Don’t forget: Add lots of details! What did

3 Once you’ve written it out, get creative about

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