The Storytellers

I’m a passionate believer in innovation. By that, I mean doing thing differently, or better, and always to answer a genuine need. I have been privileged to work with some of the finest innovators there are. But one thing stands out to me – and that is the need to combine great skills in the perfect mix. Add a strong dose of determination, and great things will emerge.

The Storytellers was born of a need. Business had lost the art of engaging people. Despite the rhetoric, companies are normally run by command and control – by telling people what to do. “Empowering” is an empty word unless people are truly engaged.

“Engagement” means loving the work you do, feeling that you make a real difference, and being proud of the result. It means casting aside the thought of moving to another business, because to do so would destroy the purpose of your work, and the team spirit that you enjoy.

Unfortunately most people are not engaged. They do a job, usually very well, but they don’t share in the passion of the business. Mission statements, pep talks, and conferences are all there. But they are communication, not engagement.

Beyond the world of work, consumers have the power. They vote with their wallets, they have great knowledge of what they buy, and successful businesses have recognised the “market of one”. It’s been a transformation. But “internal Communications” flies in the face of this change. Why should someone be treated one way as a consumer and another as an employee? It’s not good enough to think that because they draw a salary they can be told what to do – they still have the choice to move jobs.

I therefore argue that Internal Engagement should be the right term for the 21st century business team.

And that’s where the Storytellers comes in. We have innovated with a truly excellent and dedicated team, with very different skill sets. We have been through the pain and tribulations of giving birth to a new way, and we passionately believe in it.

Not everybody will share our view, but I truly believe that those that do will see that Internal Engagement is the way forward.