Use Stories to Inspire Your Employees by Pete Dulin ...................................................................................................

Management consultant at Trainer's Spectrum and business author Alexander Hiam flips a timeless adage on its head with his latest book, Making Horses Drink. In it, he explores how leaders can use techniques of powerful storytelling to inspire greater performance from employees. "This, he says, will lead offices full of 'horses' to the 'water' and allow employees to become more productive."

Pete Dulin. How can the 'leading a horse to water' fable you descrive help leaders?

Alexander Hiam. Traditional management practices are formal and rational. Great leadership comes from real experiences. Storytelling enables people to effectively share that experience with others.

P.D. How can leaders implement changes and attain long-term effectiveness, despite constant change?

A. H. Leaders must look to employees with the initiative and self-motivation to improve and resolve problems. Great leaders challenge employees to share the burdens of leadership rather than simply follow procedure. Reaching across department boundaries, sharing ideas and innovating helps to sustain high performance levels in turbulent times.

P.D. Can these techniques work equally well for large and small businesses?

A.H. The techniques described are universal, but the process involves adapting practices to fit the needs of your own team or organization.