My koro (grandfather) was a giant in Te ao Māori. He was in his time, a leader at the forefront of Te Reo, culture, business, politics, sport and Kingitanga activities. I don’t remember him for any of this though. What sticks out in my mind was that he was always at his desk.

A big scenic window framed him hunched over his books, pen in hand and writing constantly. A concrete driveway that separated our house from his was our racetrack. Bikes and scooters lined up and when the flag dropped we were off. The ones who had nothing to ride ran instead.

But when he was at his desk the tikanga (practice) was that we had to be quiet. Sometimes I would observe him and wonder how he could write hour after hour. It must have been really important.

Understanding the storytellers

Years later when I was finishing off my degree I had to do research and came across a book he wrote. I opened the pages and was immediately transported back to my childhood and a mental image of him at his desk. I was astounded. The depth of knowledge and beauty of the mita (dialect) he had written flew off the pages, a kārearea (falcon) soaring through the realms of whakapapa (genealogy) reconnecting me with him again.

An overwhelming sense of pride and understanding shook me out of my insularity, a cocoon I had been enclosed in all of these years. Now I knew what he had been writing. The book Ngā Iwi o Tainui, a history of our tūpuna (ancestor) containing the stories of their lives was his legacy to the people, a source of inspiration and identity.

He had dedicated his life to serving his iwi (people) and this plus many other publications were his koha koa (offering) for the mokopuna (descendants) of his waka (canoe) Tainui. My koro was a storyteller too.

Why are stories important

Stories inspire, motivate, connect, explain and teach in a way that no other medium can. This is because story goes to the emotional core, stirring the imagination, evoking vivid images and creating mental pictures that excite and urge the listener to pay attention.

Emotional buy-in happens when we communicate through story. Barriers come down, the heart opens and that’s where decisions are made. For example when we buy something our logic will weigh up the pros and cons of the item, but the final decision is based on emotion, on how the item will make us feel. When we visualise ourselves enjoying and using the product, magic happens.

Stories can make or break your organisation’s culture

Stories are also the barometer of an organisation’s culture. If a leader wants to know the wairua (state or energy) of their organisation then listen to the stories about it. Organisations with cultures of bullying, sexism, prejudice, poor customer service or party hard attitudes fall over, lose reputations and customers. The front office can be saying one thing but in the backroom the real stories are being told. Work the story, get it right then protect it.

Inspiration to find great stories

My koro went to the people, the learned elders including his own grand-uncle who raised him, who shared their knowledge and understanding. He recorded a history of a people that was the foundation of their identity. Their stories have inspired descendants ever since to proclaim their Tainuitanga (Tainui waka heritage).

How can you apply stories to your organisation’s culture?

1. Tell the story of your organisation. How it began, who brought the dream together and what happened during the journey. This is your whakapapa (genealogy).

2. Establish who the heroes and heroines are. The staff who have contributed, helped to achieve great outcomes. Their stories of inspiration set the example for others to follow. These people are your pou (pillars), who like our tūpuna have contributed their efforts to the whole story. They are the mentors that others want to learn from.

3. Acknowledge challenges your organisation has faced and beaten. Who have faced challenges and overcome the odds. Stories of overcoming difficulties build pride and connection to an organisation.

4. Tell your story so that people know who you are and can relate to you. Like the stories of Tainui, your story is unique. Employees identify with it and customers understand what you are all about.

5. Tell your story using every means that you can. The stories of Tainui are related on marae at hui (gatherings or meetings) throughout the region. They reaffirm, inspire and connect iwi to their roots. Digital platforms, speeches, written communications, media and conversation are all opportunities to spread the word and tell the story.

Like the stories of our tūpuna, stories of excellence attract people who want to be a part of the success. Stories are more than bedtime pastimes for children only. In the business world they are a powerful and effective tool of communication. If used wisely they bring immense value to your organisation in the only way that counts; connection from the heart.