Narratives shape our society. They determine the fates of countries, governments, businesses, religions, ideas and even our own lives. They provoke social movements and influence how people think and behave, for better or worse.

 

For organisations, narratives can achieve incredible outcomes. They can change people’s habits and inspire loyalty. They offer protection from harm. They can determine success or failure of virtually any pursuit.

 

We can’t completely control narratives. In the free world every person or entity with a platform (and there have never been more than there are today) can attempt to influence any narrative they chose to. 

 

But we must all be accountable for shaping our own narratives; by reinforcing what we stand for (or what we stand against), behaving authentically and honestly, engaging meaningfully within our networks and sharing and defending our stories.