At times leaders may communicate through direct, brief statements. They may use this style to create new inertia and break through fears that hold a team back. This kind of communication lends itself well to situations where ongoing inaction can kill an organization, team, or family. However, this style of communication has its downsides as well. It can lack the power to motivate people to change and overcome their preconceived notions. Relevant story-telling is another communication tool that can strengthen a leader's communication repertoire. Through simple, poignant storytelling, listeners are disarmed and challenged to consider new ways of thinking and being. In compelling and incredibly powerful ways, President Lincoln, played by Daniel Day Lewis, these two communication styles in the recent film Lincoln.
On the evening of the monumental vote to permanently end slavery through the acceptance and ratification of 13th amendment, Lincoln is meeting with his cabinet. Angered and frustrated by the politicking of his cabinet, in no uncertain words, Lincoln demands the support and help of his team to get the final votes needed. He forcefully declares, "I am President of the United States of America, clothed in immense power. You will procure me these votes." To be effective, sometimes leaders must be direct, pointed, and crystal clear. In fact, sometimes tact can get in the way of clear communication.
However, at other times, directness can actually encourage the hearers to discount or resist taking needed steps or making necessary changes. In these instances stories can engage listeners in ways that are deeper and more persuasive. Remember a time when you were drawn into a story, told with enthusiasm and purpose. By its completion, that story not only captured your attention, but challenged your way of thinking. On some occasions, it can even change long term, deeply rooted ways of thinking. Take, for example, Lincoln's exchange with Thaddeus Stephens.
Thaddeus Stevens, played passionately by Tommy Lee Jones, is a powerfully determined and somewhat reckless abolitionist. With or without the support of his fellow congressman, or frankly anyone, he is focused in a single-minded way on garnering full citizenship for for enslaved African-Americans. His quest is reaching the "True North" of full equality for slaves. Lincoln, desperately needs Stevens' support to pass the 13th amendment, but Lincoln knows Stevens cannot be persuaded by sheer force of will. Instead, Lincoln seeks to persuade Stevens through the power of story. Engagingly Lincoln says, "A compass, I learned, while I was surveying, it'll point you true north from where you're standing. But it's got no advice about the swamps and deserts and chasms that you'll encounter along the way. If in pursuit of your destination, you plunge ahead, heedless of obstacles and achieve nothing more than to sink in a swamp, what's the use of knowing true north?"
As we see, later in the movie, Stevens is persuaded and is willing to change his strategy in order to reach the goal of abolishing slavery from the United States.
So leader, if solving problems lends itself to either of these communication styles, consider the following: when do you need to be direct, clear, and strong and... when do you need to harness the power of story? If those you lead already know where you stand and are fearful or unsure about moving forward clear, direct communication may be precisely what they need. However, if you are faced with deeply ingrained beliefs, a well told and aptly applied story may be just the tool you need to persuade and motivate.
Lead on.
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