Stories In, Stories Out

The basic story in this video is about how Mandar Apte launched a program called Empower which is system of nurturing innovation inside Shell Oil Company.  Besides the cool factor of using meditation and breathing in leadership techniques, there are many aspects that fit in the Storycology paradigm.

The Roles of Innovation, Idea to Story to Fruition

When someone has an idea, that person needs support roles to see the idea happen.  There's the role of being able to persuade others on the idea, creating a story so it can be socialized. At 3:25, Mandar said the roles are:
how to sell; the ability to build a story and a network and circles of trust to get good feedback and build the idea; and authentically connect with people who can help bring idea to proof of concept.  Not everyone has to have an idea.

Feedback and Mentorship (i.e. Editing)

At 7:15, Mandar talks about his own journey of learning the importance of having social skills, creating a circle of trust, getting feedback from mentors, and he uses this model within the Empower program to grow ideas and make them happen.

This reminds me of you and the story of your product.  As it is socialized, it builds on itself and become more and more valuable to the people buying and using it.

And as you develop your story, be sure to get plenty of feedback through the editing process.

Measurement through Stories

And, my favorite, when asked how he would measure it (12:18) and how he would quantify the results, he says they are measuring stories of empowerment and changes that have been made in their own work habits.

He's received stories of how people are making unique connections and how participants in the program are connecting and co-creating. I think this is awesome too: "It's not an I win, you lose world, it's a world where I win and how can I make you win?"

I hope you were as inspired as I was by this story.