Even AI knows this about leadership
By John Millen
I don’t normally invite guest authors.
But this week, I did something different. I asked ChatGPT to write a blog post with a simple prompt:
“Give me three reasons business people should become storytellers.”
What you’ll read below is the result—unedited.
Not bad.
Like everyone else, I’m still trying to process what these AI tools mean for people, work, and society.
But I have to admit, it’s reassuring to know that even artificial intelligence understands something many leaders still miss:
Storytelling isn’t fluff. It’s foundational.
(And yes… there’s a little irony in that.)
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3 Reasons Business People Should Become Storytellers
In today’s fast-paced business world, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to be skilled in the art of storytelling.
Storytelling is not just for writers and artists; it has become a vital tool for business people to communicate effectively, inspire their teams, and build strong relationships with clients and customers.
Here are three reasons why business people must become great storytellers:
1. Storytelling builds connection and trust
In business, trust is everything.
Storytelling helps business people connect with their audience on an emotional level, making them more relatable and approachable.
By telling stories that resonate, leaders can build credibility and foster long-term relationships.
For example, a salesperson might share a story about how their product helped a customer solve a real problem. Suddenly, the product isn’t just a set of features—it’s a solution with proof behind it.
2. Storytelling inspires and motivates teams
Facts inform. Stories move people.
When leaders use storytelling to convey vision and values, they create meaning. They give people something to rally around.
A well-told story can turn abstract goals into something tangible and human.
Think of a leader sharing a personal story about overcoming a setback. That story doesn’t just communicate resilience—it models it.
3. Storytelling makes complex ideas simple
Business is full of complexity. Strategy, data, systems, change.
Storytelling cuts through that.
It translates complexity into something people can understand—and remember.
A scientist using analogy. A CFO explaining numbers through a narrative. A leader framing strategy as a journey.
Stories make ideas stick.
In conclusion, storytelling helps business people:
Build trust
Inspire action
Simplify complexity
And those three things? That’s most of the job.
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Thank you, ChatGPT.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Or…could I?
John