The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

MATERIALS

Handout 6.1: Storytelling Checklist

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Flipcharts and markers

ROOM SET-UP

Have participants sit in a circle in front of a fireplace, if possible. Otherwise, place chairs

in a “U” shape.

Comments

This activity works well at the beginning of a leadership program. If you plan to have

participants give presentations later on, this activity will help participants practice

making impromptu presentations. Use it after your introduction and overview of the

workshop agenda.

Resources

Read more about storytelling in Encouraging the Heart,written by Jim Kouzes and Barry

Posner (see Chapter 8, pp. 99–106).

Trainer’s Notes for Activity 6

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

Step 1: As the trainer, you need to model this skill of storytelling. Use Handout

6.1, Storytelling Checklist,as your guide to write a story. Practice your

story out loud several times so you can tell it without notes. Before

the class, tell your story that includes all the elements of a good story.

You can choose either option below; note that the second option is

appropriate because participants will be reviewing their skills and career

goals throughout most of the leadership program.

Option 1: Tell the story about how the vision of the company or program

became a reality.

Option 2: Tell a story about one of the trainers that highlights the

struggle and lessons learned during his/her career.

(^26) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK