What is this pattern for
Story-sharing brings people closer by connecting through lived experiences. It builds trust, empathy, and culture by surfacing personal and team-level narratives that often stay beneath the surface. Rather than focusing only on data and tasks, this pattern allows teams to make sense of their journey, highlight values in action, and transfer learning through authentic human stories.
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How to use this pattern
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step approach to using this pattern:
Step 1: Create safe space
Frame the story-sharing session as an opportunity to reflect, connect, and learn, not to judge or evaluate. Emphasize voluntary participation.
Step 2: Use guiding prompts
Offer open, reflective questions such as:
- “Tell us about a moment when you felt proud of this team.”
- “Share a time you learned something important here.”
- “Describe an experience that showed what our values look like in practice.”
Step 3: Start with a facilitator or volunteer
Having one person go first lowers the barrier. Ideally, someone with influence sets the tone by sharing openly and honestly.
Step 4: Invite listening, not problem-solving
Encourage others to listen without interrupting, fixing, or judging. The goal is connection, not analysis.
Step 5: Capture and reflect
If appropriate, collect stories (with permission) to use in onboarding, team canvases, or retrospectives. These become part of the living culture.
Step 6: Make it rhythmic
Embed story-sharing into regular rhythms. e.g. monthly learning sessions, leadership meetings, or end-of-quarter reflections.
Step 7: Model storytelling from the top
Leaders who share vulnerably and authentically invite others to do the same. Over time, storytelling becomes a leadership act.