Storytelling

Why Storytelling matters when you’re new to an organisation

When you join a new organisation, there’s a lot to take in—names, structures, acronyms, priorities, processes. But beneath all of that, there’s something deeper that helps you understand not just what the organisation does, but who it is: its stories. Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways companies pass on culture, make sense of change, and help people feel connected. For newcomers, it can turn confusion into clarity and isolation into belonging.

In a corporate setting, storytelling is far more than telling a good tale—it’s the practice of using real experiences, challenges, and turning points to make strategy human and memorable. Rather than relying solely on slide decks or charts, stories create emotional connection. Even the best data only informs. A good story moves people.

Research shows that people remember facts 22 times more effectively when they’re wrapped in a story. And for someone new—navigating unfamiliar ways of working—retention matters. A story can explain a transformation journey, a leadership decision, or a team’s purpose in a way that sticks.

Stories Bring Clarity and Reduce Complexity

Every organisation has its own language, and for newcomers this can feel overwhelming. Storytelling cuts through complexity by putting facts in context and showing why they matter. A strong story starts with a clear message—the one thing you want someone to take away. It introduces real people, highlights the challenge they faced, shows how they responded, and lands on what changed as a result.

For new joiners, these stories become signposts. They reveal what the organisation values: collaboration, resilience, innovation, service. They show how things get done here—what good looks like, what leadership expects, and how people come together when it matters.

Stories Build Connection and Trust

When leaders share authentic stories, they build trust—fast. People feel the human side of the organisation, not just the operational one. Instead of hearing, “We’re undergoing a transformation,” they hear about the team that came together across time zones to fix an incident, or the frontline employee whose insight unlocked a breakthrough. That connection is vital for new colleagues still finding their place.

What Makes a Story Effective?

Strong storytelling blends emotion, clarity, and purpose. The most effective stories have:

• A clear message—the core idea that matters most
• Relatable characters—employees, teams, customers
• A moment of tension—the challenge or turning point
• Authenticity—real, unpolished experiences
• Meaning—what changed and why it matters
• A call to action—what people should do or think next

For newcomers, this last part is especially important. A clear direction—“Here’s what we value; here’s what we need from you”—accelerates alignment.

Storytelling Helps You Contribute Faster

Stories not only help new joiners understand the organisation; they help them participate in it. When teams share stories consistently—through meetings, town halls, Viva Engage posts, or informal conversations—it builds a culture where people feel free to contribute their own experiences. This is how belonging grows.

In an organisation where complexity is high and change is constant, storytelling is more than a communication technique—it’s a leadership tool, a cultural anchor, and one of the fastest ways to bring new people into the story of what comes next.