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Storytelling and leadership
Why the most effective CEOs lead with story
Storytelling isn't just a soft skill—it's a superpower. CEOs who use it move past generic vision statements to connect with authenticity. Explore these resources to learn how leaders are turning story into strategy.
Not every story needs a script. But the best ones have structure.
We studied how CEOs communicate and found four core elements that make stories stick. They're simple, flexible, and designed to help leaders harness the impact of storytelling.
- Ground it – What details help others understand the moment?
- Tell it – What happened, and why does it matter?
- Add texture – What were you thinking or feeling?
- Frame it – What meaning do you want to leave behind?
Why storytelling works for CEOs
Our research revealed three leadership goals that storytelling uniquely supports:
Want to turn story into strategy?
Explore the full research and our case studies above.
Brett Weinberg | Deloitte US
Managing Director | Chief Executive Program
Elizabeth M. Molacek, PhD
Senior Manager | Chief Executive Program