Story Factor

The new material for this revised edition offers an expanded case study of storytelling in action that focuses on one of Simmons's success stories. Over one hundred stories drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world, illustrate how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can't. These stories, combined with practical storytelling techniques show anyone how to become a more effective communicator. From who I am" to I-know-what-you're thinking," Simmons identifies the six stories you need to know how to tell and demonstrates how they can be applied. This revised edition offers a guide to using storytelling in specific business circumstances, including corporate reorganizations, layoffs, and diversity issues.

Review: "The Story Factor remains required reading for anyone working at the intersection of communication and culture. For better or worse, the future requires storytellers willing to imagine what is truly good for humans and wield their power thoughtfully. I'm grateful that Annette's wonderful book is confronting the ethical aspects of the stories we tell. I hope that many will pick it up and do the same!"--Zack Bryant, Creative Director, Journey Group

"After 20 years of reading every book written on storytelling, the Story Factor still stands out as the most comprehensive, the most inspiring and the most useful of any book I've found. This new release includes a much-needed deep dive into the morals and responsibilities of storytelling. The Story Factor is not only a book you need, it's a book that the world desperately needs."--Lisa Bloom, Founder, Story Coach

"Annette Simmons was my guiding star when I was looking for a way to work with stories. The Story Factor paved the way for me to do rewarding work building communities and broadening education. With this third edition Annette proves once again that her knowledge and insights are alive and more relevant than ever."--Peter Fruhmann, Founder of Storybag.nl

"Nearly two decades ago, Annette Simmons sent a shockwave through the world of leadership thinking with a curious proposition: That by telling stories, a leader might exercise deep influence. She's back, surveying the industry that has grown from her groundwork, and her message in this updated edition is more fierce and more urgent than ever before: As weavers of narratives, ours is a deeply moral calling that carries great responsibility. Simmons' voice is more essential, prophetic, and convicting than ever. Her message demands our attention."--David Hutchens, Leadership Storytelling

"Once again internationally recognized genius in business storytelling, Annette Simmons, captivates us with her writing, her wisdom, and her deep understanding of the human spirit. She takes us on a journey about the critical importance of storytelling and how to do it filled with sage advice, wonderful stories, and practical how-to. If you want to be a better leader or manager, with better business results, follow Annette's wisdom. You'll be glad you did."--Dr. Karen Dietz, co-author Business Storytelling for Dummies

"Re-reading my dog-eared, marked-up copy of The Story Factor makes me nod my head in both agreement and epiphany. In this new edition, she holds supreme as our most important thinker in applied narrative."--Thaler Pekar, Thaler Pekar & Partners

"Simmons beautifully captures the role stories play in solving human problems. Her invitation to expand our circle of moral concern through storytelling gives hope for restoring our social fabric in divided times."--Jesse Scinto, Lecturer and Fulbright U.S. Scholar MS Programs in Strategic Communication, Columbia University

"Twenty years ago when it was first published, this book became an instant classic and spotlighted Annette Simmons as one of the pioneers of organizational storytelling. Now she updates and expands her foundational work, offering us a strong voice on behalf of staying awake to both the power and the pitfalls of story work. In this time of competing and conflicting narratives, where the future of our world hangs in the balance, The Story Factor continues to chart a path for everyone who seeks to influence with integrity."--Mary Alice Arthur, Story Activist (www.getsoaring.com) and co-founder of Story the Future (www.storythefuture.com)

"We in the story listening/story sharing business have many sages, many authorities, many folks that give us new and effective ways to stir the pot of story into something delicious, but we have only one encyclopedia of story, her name is Annette Simmons."--Joe Lambert, Chief Listener and Convener, StoryCenter