14 Apr Story Telling as a Tool of Influence – Supporting Successive Leadership

Leadership fundamentally revolves around influence, whether exercised through positional authority or by inspiring others. As John C. Maxwell succinctly stated, “Leadership is influence — nothing more, nothing less” (Maxwell, 1998). This article examines storytelling as a powerful tool to inspire, influence, and sustain leadership across its stages. Rooted in biblical traditions, storytelling has historically preserved and transmitted leadership wisdom, demonstrating its transformative impact. Stories have inspired many, including myself, and I have witnessed their transformative power in shaping leadership.

Stories are not merely narratives, but connections that bridge leaders and followers across time. For university students — the primary audience of this article — storytelling offers a practical means to navigate leadership transitions, align with purpose, and inspire future leaders. Leadership evolves through distinct stages, as seen in the history of institutions like Highfield, where storytelling has played a critical role in shaping transitions and sustaining vision.

Storytelling in Five Stages of Successive Leadership
Leadership progresses through distinct stages, each demanding specific skills and strategies. Storytelling is a powerful tool at each stage, ensuring the vision, values, and mission are preserved and passed on.

1.1 Visionary Stage
Leadership begins with articulating a compelling vision and mission, requiring clarity, passion, and the ability to inspire. Warren Bennis aptly stated, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” (Bennis, 2009). Visionary leaders use storytelling to communicate their aspirations, inspiring belief and commitment. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech inspired generations to imagine a better future (King, 1963). Successors use these stories to uphold and spread the visionary’s ideals.

1.2. Growth Stage
Leaders sustain momentum by refining strategies and developing systems to support the vision. Storytelling becomes essential, offering lessons from past challenges and triumphs. Sharing stories helps align organisational goals with actionable steps, fostering a shared understanding of progress.
While pioneers are often celebrated, leaders in the growth stage significantly shape an organisation’s identity. Their stories preserve the organisation’s core values, ensuring its essence is retained in the DNA.

1.3. Sustaining Stage
New leaders uphold the mission while ensuring continuity as original pioneers step aside. This phase often involves balancing the founder’s vision with the need to adapt to evolving circumstances. Ronald Heifetz aptly stated, “Leadership is not about preserving the status quo; it is about managing change” (Heifetz, 1994). Stories of perseverance and innovation provide valuable guidance during this critical transition. For example, Paul’s letters to Timothy demonstrate how storytelling can uphold a mission’s continuity.

1.4. Development Stage
Innovation becomes vital to keeping the vision relevant and impactful. As Theodore Levitt observed, “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things” (Levitt, 1960). Leaders at this stage can leverage storytelling to promote a culture of experimentation while maintaining alignment with the mission.

1.5. Surfer’s Stage
Leaders inherit a legacy of highs and lows, navigating complex challenges. Effective storytelling anchors their vision and motivates their teams.
As Simon Sinek stated, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge” (Sinek, 2014). Stories emphasising resilience and collaboration help leaders build trust and guide their teams through turbulent periods.

Storytelling and Leadership in Highfield

2.1 Honouring the Past: Preserving Legacy
Storytelling aids in preserving the pioneer’s legacy, offering a foundation for future leaders. Leadership research highlights that acknowledging past contributions fosters identity and continuity (Shamir et al., 2005). For example, Mrs. Eloise and Dr. T. Norton Sterett’s efforts in establishing Highfield, a student ministry camp in India, demonstrate how vision and dedication create enduring impacts. Sharing their stories ensures new leaders remain connected to the organisation’s roots.
One such tradition, Highfield Dharshan, involves guiding visitors around the campus while recounting stories of the Sterett’s and their contributions to the UESI Ministry. These narratives passed down through generations, preserve heritage and purpose.

2.2 Looking to God for Direction
In successive leadership, focusing on God and His Kingdom is crucial. Stories of His peace, presence, and power help leaders stay aligned with divine purposes. In ministry, anything can become an idol when the focus shifts from God. Leaders must prioritize God’s standards. Many ministries could not withstand the temptation like the one to commercialise Highfield. Similarly, our experiences of taking bold steps in faith — even when compromising could have made interactions with government officials easier — serve as powerful reminders. These stories reaffirm that God is the true hero.

2.3 Focusing on Values and Vision
The essence of successive leadership lies in aligning with core values and vision. Although some may find it challenging to embrace Highfield’s vision, C.S. Lewis reminds us, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Changes should always honour the original vision, avoiding the lure of short-term gains.
At Highfield, stories of leaders like Isaac Thomas, who exemplified stewardship of the campus, inspire us to uphold values and vision, ensuring alignment with the organization’s core principles.

2.4. Fostering Innovation, Preserving Purpose
Balancing tradition and innovation pledges long-term success. Leaders should avoid unnecessary reinvention. Resources are often wasted when the achievements of their predecessors are neglected. Yet, change is inevitable, and it demands innovation. Kotter’s change theory emphasises the role of storytelling in gaining support for transitions (Kotter, 1996). As a student movement, innovation is essential, though some may resist change. Sharing stories of past innovations that upheld tradition can help overcome this reluctance.
Our leaders, Arthur Hope and B.C. Pandian responded to a water scarcity crisis, by innovatively purchasing land with a water source downhill and implementing a pumping system to supply water to Highfield.

2.5. Leaving a Legacy
Legacy is not defined by success but by faithfully empowering others to continue the work with integrity and passion. Leadership and succession extend beyond Highfield’s top office. I often recount the story of Mary Amma, who served in the kitchen for over three decades, leaving behind a legacy of service with a smile. Her influence was not confined to the kitchen; it shaped Highfield’s culture.

A Challenge for Future Leaders
Successive leadership demands vision, courage, and a commitment to empowering others. For students, the challenge extends beyond personal success to preparing those who follow. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” highlighting mentorship-producing-leadership. Storytelling, helps students influence peers, preserve their mission, and inspire future leaders. As Maya Angelou noted, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” (Angelou, 1986). Let your stories inspire and create a lasting legacy.

References

• Maxwell, J.C. (1998). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Thomas Nelson.
• Bennis, W. (2009). On Becoming a Leader. Basic Books.
• Heifetz, R. (1994). Leadership Without Easy Answers. Harvard University Press.
• Kotter, J.P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Angelou, M. (1986). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Random House.

R. Billy, a former staff member of UESI, recently completed his term as Administrator of Highfield, Kotagiri (Tamil Nadu). He now resides in Salem with his wife, Persis, and their son’s family, where he continues to be active in preaching and teaching. He can be reached at billperjo@gmail.com