In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the need for effective leadership is more crucial than ever. A recent episode of our podcast features Andy Goram, affectionately known as the “Sticky Guy,” who emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in leadership. With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, Andy has pivoted to become a culture, leadership, and engagement consultant, helping organizations create stickier workplaces that retain and attract talent.
The episode kicks off with Andy’s insights on the significance of crafting a compelling future story for an organization. He highlights that humans thrive on certainty and direction, and a relatable narrative is essential for fostering connection and engagement among employees. This future story should not only inspire but also ground itself in reality, allowing employees to see their roles within the broader vision of the organization.
One of the standout moments in the conversation is when Andy discusses a pivotal experience in his career that shaped his values. He recounts a time when a new manager called him out on his behavior, an encounter that initially sparked anger but ultimately led to profound self-reflection and growth. This experience solidified Andy’s commitment to being a kind leader—someone who provides honest feedback that encourages growth rather than merely being “nice.”
Throughout the episode, Andy shares practical insights and frameworks that leaders can implement to foster a culture of engagement and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that culture is not just the responsibility of HR but is a collective effort that requires buy-in from everyone in the organization. By focusing on foundational behaviors and creating a sense of ownership among employees, organizations can drive meaningful change.
Listeners will also appreciate Andy’s candid discussion with Jerome and Julienne about the challenges of culture change. He notes that many organizations attempt to implement sweeping changes too quickly, which often leads to frustration and resistance. Instead, he advocates for a more measured approach, where small, consistent actions can lead to significant shifts in culture over time.
As the episode concludes, Andy shares valuable resources, including his podcast “Sticky from the Inside” and the book “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara, which further explore the themes of culture and engagement. For anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and create a more engaging workplace, this episode is a must-listen.
LISTEN HERE to discover how storytelling can be a powerful tool in leadership, and learn how to create a work environment that prioritizes connection, kindness, and engagement. Don’t miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared by Andy Gorham in this enlightening episode!
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Our editorial team at Narativ is a group of experts led by CEO and business storytelling craftsman, Jerome Deroy. We aim to create educational and informative content relevant to the emerging trends in business leadership, sales, team building, and onboarding.