Recently, I was chatting with a friend about my excitement for catching Iron Maiden's concert next year in Melbourne. He asked, "What's the big deal with Iron Maiden anyway?" One of the reasons I gave was their ability to tell stories through their music, lyrics, and live shows.
Even after 44 years, Iron Maiden still has an extraordinary ability to connect with their audience. Their music is a mesmerizing blend of fast guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and powerful lyrics. Each note they play is like a plot point in a story, propelling the narrative forward. Whether you're listening to classics like "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Rime of the Ancient Mariner," or "Run to the Hills," or their newer songs like "When the Wild Wind Blows," "Empire of the Cloud," and "The Writing on the Wall," you'll experience storytelling at its finest. And when you see them live, the storytelling reaches new heights with the added theatrical elements they incorporate into their show.
After our chat, it dawned on me that storytelling is an essential aspect often neglected in the tech industry. As I have gained more experience, I have come to understand the significance of storytelling for anyone in IT, whether you are a developer or an IT executive. Unfortunately, this skill is not usually taught in computer courses at university.
The Art of Tech Storytelling
So, what does Iron Maiden's storytelling prowess have to do with tech? A lot, actually. In the tech world, we're often so focused on the code, data, and algorithms that we forget about the "why", the "so what", and the "who's."
Technology isn't just about creating complex systems for the sake of it; it's about solving real-world problems, enhancing lives, and fostering innovation. And at the heart of every technological advancement are the people who make it happen with their experiences, emotions, and interactions. Iron Maiden's approach to music serves as a prime example of how storytelling can be a powerful tool for communication, capable of evoking a diverse range of emotions.
Storytelling in Action
Storytelling can be used for various purposes in the tech industry, such as:
Effective Communication - Storytelling is a powerful way to communicate complex ideas, data, and concepts in a clear and engaging manner. It helps you convey your message effectively to diverse stakeholders.
Engagement and Memorable Impact - People remember stories much better than raw data or facts. By incorporating storytelling into your work, you can leave a lasting impact and make your ideas more memorable, increasing your influence and effectiveness.
Problem Solving - Stories often involve overcoming challenges, which makes them a great tool for explaining how you've solved problems in the past. When you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities through stories, you build trust and credibility with your team and superiors.
Influence and Persuasion - If you want to influence decisions or persuade others to adopt your ideas, storytelling is a powerful tool. It can help you gain buy-in from peers, clients, or executives and lead to successful project outcomes.
Cross-Disciplinary Value - Storytelling is a skill that transcends industries and roles. Regardless of your profession, being a great storyteller can open up opportunities and enhance your versatility.
A Journey of Discovery
Storytelling wasn't a big part of my computer science or tech-focused courses at university. But as I progressed through my career, the importance of storytelling became increasingly evident.
For example, my first attempt at a performance test report was just a collection of numbers on a page with no narrative or context. To be honest, upon reviewing it, my mentor was far from impressed. Reflecting back, I can't help but ponder, "Man, I could've made that a lot more interesting with the storytelling skills I've picked up along the way!" I could have used this skill to convey my message effectively.
On the other hand, I used storytelling to create an AWS Well-Architected review report for our Tech leadership team, including the CTO. By framing the message as a narrative, I could communicate my points effectively, gain their support, and facilitate seamless transitions between topics.
Storytelling: A Versatile Tool for Tech
Storytelling is a versatile tool that can transform the way we communicate, collaborate, and lead. Whether you're a developer adding narrative depth to your code or an IT executive guiding a company's vision, storytelling can make the digital realm more engaging, purposeful, and relatable.
Just like Iron Maiden's music connects with its audience on a deep level, technology, when presented as a compelling story, can connect with users and teams in ways that go far beyond byte code and spreadsheets. Storytelling is not just appreciated but increasingly essential in the ever-evolving tech industry. A skill I believe that everyone should learn.
References:
2: https://killerinnovations.com/the-art-of-storytelling-for-business-and-innovation/
3:https://www.raconteur.net/leadership/tech-chiefs-must-master-art-of-storytelling
4: https://www.harvardbusiness.org/the-science-behind-the-art-of-storytelling/
5: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/storytelling-project-managers-six-core-elements-6877
7: https://digital.gov/2023/04/20/the-art-of-storytelling-in-a-hybrid-world/