Management by Anecdote

Throughout history, leaders who have excelled at getting their points across have used parables, jokes, and anecdotes to get people to understand them. Abraham Lincoln, for example, found that he could cover more ground by relating amusing but pointed stories — so much so that "That reminds me of a little joke" was practically his trademark phrase.

Anecdotes are useful in a variety of circumstances — when you’re training a new employee, trying to change someone’s mind, even disciplining a staffer. Using a story or a joke instead of a long discussion can often make a point much more effective.

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