Stories

Roosevelt's December 7 speech shows that a story can turn a raw event into a shared emotional experience. The article argues that technical leaders can achieve the same impact by framing updates, decisions, and setbacks as narratives that give people a place in the story.

It surveys common storytelling formulas - the five Cs, Vonnegut's shape, the 'therefore/but' rhythm from the South Park creators - and shows how each maps onto a product launch or a sprint retro. The takeaway is concrete: pick a clear character (team or product), a challenge (bug, market shift), and a resolution that illustrates learning or victory.

Timing is as critical as the plot. The piece lists four moments where a story adds the most value: building connection in low-morale meetings, making complex ideas stick in presentations, guiding teams through change, and celebrating wins. By recognizing these slots, leaders turn stories from optional anecdotes into repeatable tools that move people.