Storytelling for Impact: The Case of Our CATALYST Project

Who doesn’t love a good story: be it in books, movies or conversations. Years of scientific research hint that our brains have evolved to tell, understand, and retain stories. We remember stories longer than other types of information and they have a stronger influence on us than just facts. That’s why storytelling is such a powerful tool to connect with people.

But what about the role of stories in the working world? How can stories help us convey complex messages in meaningful ways and trigger actors to take action? How can we use stories to increase the impact of our projects and accelerate the sustainable and digital transformation?

Creating the CATALYST narrative

As part of our CATALYST project, we developed a storytelling workshop series to enable stakeholders to use the power of stories in a systematic and impact-oriented way. The aim was to develop a shared story that connects with project partners and involved stakeholders in a tangible and engaging way. With the help of storytelling canvases, storyboards, and collaborative digital tools, the project partners had the chance to think creatively, analyse current and forecast future challenges and move toward solution ideas.

Throughout the course of the workshop they went through all relevant aspects pertaining to a story, such as: narrowing down the story message, defining the target audience, deciding on the main character(s), setting the place and tone, analysing the problem at hand from multiple perspectives, and outlining possible solutions.

Each partner created their own story on how they identify and approach the problem but also what solutions they see. In a follow up workshop, the different stories were synthesised into one CATALYST storyline, which not only helps project partners to align their thinking, but also inspires and guides them into co-creating impactful solutions together.

If you would like to learn more about the CATALYST story, from idea inception to its final shape, please take a look at the project’s website.

Why storytelling workshops matter

In projects with multiple and diverse partners and stakeholders, storytelling workshops can be a powerful format to foster trust and enhance team building. In order to create an impactful way of collaboration, exchanging on the different perspectives and finding a common vision is key. By touching upon all relevant project facts (main message, goal, target audience), the storytelling workshop is a format to align and start off projects on the right foot.

Are you curious to learn more about our storytelling workshop format and how to implement it in your context? Please reach out to CSCP Senior Designer, Eva Rudolf.

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash