Geoff Mead - Telling the Story: The Heart and Soul of Successful Leadership

Mead's book makes me feel hopeful and inspired about the future, and my own role in helping to shape it. His grounded, practical wisdom reminds us that stories have always been the way forward for humanity, and it is time for us to take more concerted action to counter the dominating master narrative of our most recent history. You will find his words a balm for the soul, evoking a meaningful walk in the woods with a wise elder.

Doug Paxton, Faculty and Co-Director of the Leadership Center, Saint Mary's College of California

We have often forgotten to listen to patients and staff with devastating effect on the standard of healthcare and organizational health. Listening to their stories connects the organization and its leaders back to what really matters. If you have ever doubted how stories can be a powerful force for good this thought-provoking and practical book will encourage you to consider your leadership practice from a whole new perspective.

Dr Liz Redfern CBE, formerly Chief Nurse, NHS South of England

The title of this book says it all, this is a heartfelt and soulful book taking us on a journey where we can discover ourselves and achieve leadership success. It is only by finding and acknowledging our authentic truth that we can inspire others to follow. If you want to find out what it takes to be an inspiring and successful leader, step into this world of storytelling.

Jacob Tas, Executive Director of Operations, Action for Children

In many spheres of my life, I have learnt that getting the basics right is the platform on which success is built. Geoff's book turns the spotlight on one of the basic activities of leaders and leadership teams that of storytelling. The book comprehensively covers the theoretical and practical aspects of storytelling. The case studies and associated experiences of other leaders provide rich detail and inspiration. The book is a catalyst for self-improvement which in turn produces better organizational outcomes and a more successful future.

Sir David Varney, formerly Chairman O2, CEO BG, Commissioner HMRC

Geoff Mead is a master of both the theory and practice of narrative leadership. Telling the Story is refreshing in its frankness and insight. It left me feeling challenged, energized and inspired to think about the stories I want to live and tell through my own leadership. Wonderful reading for anyone who wants to enhance their positive impact on the world.

Lindsay Levin, Founder and Managing Partner, Leaders' Quest

This is surely a must-read for anyone in a leadership role (which is pretty much everybody!). Geoff's ability to explain narrative leadership is unsurpassed and his passion for storytelling comes through loud and clear in his writing. Understanding and using narrative has completely transformed my approach to leading an organization and influencing others with great success. Telling the Story will inspire you and equip you to use your inherent storytelling ability to influence those around you in a powerful and memorable way. I could not recommend this book more highly!

Libby Hackett, Chief Executive, University Alliance

In my work with scenario planning I've experienced the transformational power that arises when a group of people decides to imagine and tell new stories about the future. In this book, Geoff Mead explains with clarity, humor and precision, how we can all collectively create and tell the stories we need in order to bring a better world into existence.

Marcelo Michelsohn MSc, Associate Consultant and Scenarios Editor, Reos Partners

I especially appreciate how clearly Geoff Mead sets the power of storytelling within an appreciation of current global challenges and fractures including climate change. The book's blend of ideas, stories, advice and invitations is evocative, encouraging, instructive, supportive and also deliberately provocative. This combined form exemplifies well its messages about the communicative power of storytelling a thoroughly animating read.

Judi Marshall, Professor of Leadership and Learning, Lancaster University Management School

As we change our story we change the world. Effective leaders tell authentic stories that address the needs of their time. The needs of our time are great indeed. Geoff Mead's clear and concise wisdom will transform current and aspiring leaders into Chief Storytellers and Meaning Makers in their organizations and communities.

Richard Olivier, Artistic Director, Olivier Mythodrama Associates

Geoff Mead has written what will become the classic text on narrative leadership. With heart, humor and deep insight, he draws on his many years of organizational experience to show how, through the skillful use of stories and storytelling, business leaders can provide a more meaningful, purposeful and rewarding environment for us all. A practical guide to the major cultural shift awaiting organizations today.

Sue Hollingsworth MBA, Director, International School of Storytelling

As a leader I know that the stories I tell matter. Telling the Story is a vital resource for leaders, full of great tips and thought-provoking advice. It reminds us that narrative leadership is as much about sharing our own personal stories as it is about telling the big stories of our time. It encourages us to stand tall in our stories, to rediscover our authentic selves, and to reflect on the implications of the stories we choose to tell: for whom and for what do we lead?

Alan Woods, Group Chief Executive, Skills for Justice

Telling the Story invites the reader to connect again with the potential of storytelling in our adult work lives. Any leader who wishes to be released from PowerPoints and corporate jargon will experience the book as liberating. Trust me it works! Introducing stories into my work life has given me a verbal toolkit to navigate the most challenging situations.

Sonia Crozier, Deputy Chief Executive, London Probation Trust

Organizational theorists talk about the narrative turn in their attempts to understand the dynamics of change. Geoff Mead helpfully makes a bridge between this literature and practice, weaving in allegory, metaphor, narrative and simile that deepen leaders' practical insights into the art of story in the context of change. This book is easy to read, packed with great examples and is also a helpful guide to complementary resources. Practitioners will find it invaluable, as they craft their own identities and their organization's through story.

Dr Marc Thompson, Fellow in Strategy and Organization, Said Business School, University of Oxford

This edition first published 2014

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