Seeing the ‘big picture’: researchers discover storytelling could be the key to a meaningful life

One study found a direct link between storytelling ability and a sense of meaning and quality of life. The study, conducted in Israel and the United States, found that people who were good storytellers lived more fulfilling lives, had a clearer sense of purpose, and had the ability to see the “big picture.”

Researchers assessed participants’ storytelling abilities using self-assessments, feedback from peers, ratings from strangers who listened to the stories, and analysis of recordings of stories by students trained in storytelling. did. At the same time, data was collected on participants’ overall quality of life and their tendency to focus on details rather than looking at the broader picture.

The study is published in The Journal of Positive Psychology.

We all know that one woman who completely captivates us the moment she starts talking. She may be talking about something as mundane as dropping off her child at kindergarten, but her delivery effortlessly draws us in. On the other hand, some people have a hard time getting our attention, even though they tell us about dramatic events in their lives.

Now, this new study reveals that people who are good at storytelling tend to have better lives. They feel a deep sense of meaning, have a clear and lucid understanding of their direction in life, and are able to see the bigger picture better.

The results of this study showed that there is a clear relationship between storytelling ability and high levels of quality of life and sense of meaning. Even after accounting for other factors, such as the five main personality traits, the effect was found to be particularly pronounced among introverts, who found storytelling a powerful means of self-expression and skill development. I think there is. These results suggest that storytelling is not only a personal asset, but also a valuable tool in professional and organizational contexts.

This study has important implications for managers and organizations. In today’s workplace, where employee engagement, motivation, and happiness are key to success, fostering storytelling skills among employees can contribute to team building, effective communication, and a culture of purpose and collaboration . Improving your storytelling skills will increase your productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.

Additionally, storytelling has been shown to have distinct benefits for introverts, allowing them to better integrate and express their unique strengths. By implementing storytelling workshops and training programs, organizations can amplify the voices of diverse team members, foster innovation, and foster a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion.

In an era where artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role, uniquely human skills such as storytelling are more important than ever. The ability to tell a story goes hand-in-hand with seeing the big picture and thinking strategically, an essential skill for employees and leaders in a rapidly evolving workplace. Storytelling workshops can give employees the tools to take initiative and develop a long-term vision while developing a deeper sense of purpose at work.

“The results of this study highlight that storytelling is not only a tool for personal improvement, but also a key to organizational success,” said Ron Schacher, a professor at Reichmann University’s Allison School of Management. The ability to speak effectively and persuasively enables people to live more fulfilling lives and helps organizations foster a cohesive, innovative and inclusive culture that contribute to long-term success.”

The research team included Reichmann University professors Mario Mikulincer and Schacher, as well as doctoral student Haran Einam.