How many times have you been fascinated by a good story? Think about this for a minute, because it may be more often than you think. How many times have you stayed up late reading a novel that you “couldn’t” put down, or watching a movie that you couldn’t turn off? How many times have you pushed yourself harder after hearing the story of someone else’s success, or changed your opinion after reading a convincing article in a magazine or newspaper?

There’s no doubt that stories can change the way we think, act, and feel. Leaders, especially, can use the power of a good story to influence and motivate their teams to new heights. Stories can inspire everything from understanding to action. They can create legends that an entire workplace culture can build upon, and they have the power to break down barriers and turn a bad situation into a good one.