Why telling Stories is important for Company Induction Training

Those of you who have read my posts know that I’m a big fans of telling stories to indoctrinate staff and contractors (see Telling Stories to improve Company Inductions).

In his book Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership, Harvard professor Howard Gardner wrote, “leaders achieve effectiveness largely through the stories they relate. Stories must in some way help the audience/team members to think through who they are and frame future opinions”.

One of the best ways to induct new staff is for senior managers to be involved and to be seen getting involved.

The ex-CEO of Virgin Blue airlines, Brett Godfrey, would always turn up to staff induction training to introduce himself.

And while it is important for senior managers to introduce themselves and welcome new starters, they also need to talk about legendary company stories. It’s a great way to improve the safety culture, customer service and pride in the company. Also, particularly useful for welcoming staff from a new merger/aquisition.

‘Words are how we think, story is about how we link’ Christina Baldwin

But what if the senior manager can’t be there? What if the CEO is unable to welcome the 20 new staff who start every month across different sites in Australia?

Film them!

It’s a surprisingly simple, but effective way for new staff to know who the senior staff member is and to feel like they know them. It also saves the CEO or Executive General Manager a lot of time.

We have filmed many senior managers welcoming new starters and giving their own personal introductions. It’s warm, funny and believable. And it’s a great way to start an induction training video.