Overview
"A wonderfully refreshing look at leadership that contains countless insights on how stories create meaning and can inspire even cynical management to act. Its central message kept resonating in my head for weeks after reading it. I highly recommend this book."—John Seely Brown, former chief scientist, Xerox Corp., and director of its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)
"It is hardly a nutty idea that narrative is a useful means of transferring knowledge from one human—or squirrel—to another. Steve Denning's wonderful story about stories is a unique way to tell a fundamental truth about how organizations improve their performance."—Thomas H. Davenport, President's Distinguished Professor, Babson College, and Accenture Fellow
"I've witnessed the power of narrative in my work and life, but I haven't had the tools to effectively employ story when I've needed it most. Denning's book provides the 'how to' for which I've been looking."—M. Gary Ryan, director, Brand Development and Strategy, People Magazine
"Steve Denning is one of the most imaginative knowledge practitioners around, so it isn't surprising that he's produced a charming and illustrative fable about organizational life (among other things). Read it and grow wiser in the ways of squirrels and men!"—Larry Prusak, coauthor, What's the Big Idea and Working Knowledge
"The success of a leader can best be measured by how many who actually followed. Steve Denning's work is an important reminder and great inspiration to all leaders who wish to connect with their employees on all the human dimensions required to create true followership."—Mats Lederhausen, managing director, McDonald's Ventures, McDonald's Corporation
Synopsis
Take a satirical scamper through organizational life in the midst of changing times, brought to you by master storyteller and former World Bank executive Steve Denning. With wisdom and a healthy dose of wit, Denning introduces a cast of furry characters who together learn the fine art of change through storytelling in their quest to overcome obstacles, generate enthusiasm and teamwork, share knowledge, and ultimately lead their company into a new era of success and significance. Through the stories of Squirrel Inc., readers will learn that the ability to tell the right story at the right time can determine the outcome of any major change effort.
In each chapter Denning's squirrels learn to use storytelling to address leadership challenges:
- How to bring about change
- How to communicate who you are
- How to transmit values
- How to foster collaboration
- How to stop rumors
- How to share knowledge
- How to lead your organization into the future
Combining business strategy with business narrative, Squirrel Inc. reveals how leaders can use both traditional and non-traditional stories to guide their organizations through difficult times.