The Importance of Storytelling

The Family Business Podcast

Summary

In this episode, Dave Goetz and Melissa Parks discuss the importance of capturing and sharing family stories. They highlight the reasons why families choose to tell their stories, such as passing on values and creating a family culture. The guests emphasize the need for families to identify their purpose and why before embarking on a storytelling project. They also discuss different types of family stories, including founder stories and multi-generational stories. The guests explore the concept of voice in storytelling and the importance of selecting the right format for capturing the family story. They also address the challenges of navigating different versions of the same story and the rules and considerations for sharing family stories. In this conversation, Dave Goetz and Melissa Mitchell-Blitch discuss the importance of family stories and how to capture and preserve them. They emphasize the need for hope and tension in storytelling, as well as the importance of protecting identities in family stories. They also discuss the time commitment required for family story projects and the value of taking the time to do it right. They highlight the need for support from trusted advisors and professionals in the storytelling process. Overall, they emphasize the significance of capturing family stories to help future generations understand the values of the family.

Takeaways

Capturing and sharing family stories is important for passing on values and creating a family culture.

Families should identify their purpose and why before starting a storytelling project.

Different types of family stories include founder stories and multi-generational stories.

The voice of the family story depends on the chosen format and the desired tone.

Considerations for sharing family stories include obtaining consent from individuals involved and being discerning about which stories to include. Family stories should have a balance of hope and tension to make them compelling.

When telling family stories, it's important to protect the identities of individuals who may not want to be included.

Family story projects typically require a time commitment of nine months to one year.

Taking the time to properly plan and execute a family story project is crucial for creating a meaningful and impactful result.

Finding the right support, such as trusted advisors and professionals, can help ensure the success of a family story project.

Writing a compelling family story can be challenging, and hiring professionals with storytelling expertise can be beneficial.

Trusted advisors who understand the dynamics of family relationships are essential for guiding and supporting family story projects.

To get in touch with Dave and Melissa for assistance with family story projects, visit their website or email them directly.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:00 The Importance of Family Stories

09:05 Reasons for Telling Family Stories

12:25 Identifying the Purpose of Capturing the Family Story

15:20 Different Types of Family Stories

20:43 Determining the Voice of the Family Story

25:22 Exploring Different Formats for Capturing the Family Story

33:49 Navigating Different Versions of the Same Story

41:29 Rules and Considerations for Sharing Family Stories

50:53 The Purpose of Family Stories

51:53 Protecting Identities in Family Stories

53:01 Time Commitment for Family Story Projects

54:39 Taking the Time to Do It Right

56:38 The Value of Capturing Family Stories

57:45 Finding the Right Support for Family Story Projects

59:59 The Difficulty of Writing a Compelling Story

01:02:13 The Importance of Trusted Advisors

01:04:01 How to Get in Touch with Dave and Melissa