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Transforming Stories

Very few stories, in and of themselves, have the power to influence how people think, act and interact. While there are exceptions to that rule – cultural mythologies, creation stories, heroic journeys, and the like – most stories need to be transformed into more explicit ideas and concepts, in order to influence our own or others’ mental models or behaviors. One of the greatest challenges of transforming our stories is to probe deeply for their essence without losing the richness of the narrative. As in mining for valuable gems beneath the earth, the idea is to bring them to the surface without ravaging the landscape.

A second great challenge in making meaning is being willing to notice gems that are not yet polished or refined. While it may feel risky, this is a time for putting language to what you are seeing and hearing, no matter how inarticulate you may feel in the process. Now is also the time to challenge one another’s thinking. This kind of shared inquiry leads to exciting and novel ideas and concepts for the community.

Reflections
1. What did you hear in the stories that community members told that helps you to know what they – and you - know from experience?
2. What words or phrases are you hearing – or saying – that are the beginnings of a new language for expressing ideas in your community?
3. What metaphors, models or other meaning can your make from members’ stories and experiences at this time?
4. What answers to your community’s triggering questions are beginning to emerge?

Actions
Review the information at Transforming Stories. Then, as individuals, review the stories your community shared, the morals revealed, and the lessons learned. As you are reviewing these, capture the ideas or concepts that seem most relevant to your community’s domain and triggering questions. Then, in conversation, share your observations with the whole community. In this conversation, all members should feel free to ask each other probing questions, and respectfully challenge one another’s beliefs and assumptions. Be sure to document the ideas and concepts generated through these conversations.

Tools and Resources
Transforming Stories
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