Stories for Work by Gabrielle Dolan Summary

Stories for Work is a practical guide to using storytelling as a tool for effective workplace communication. It teaches leaders how to craft compelling narratives to connect with teams, engage stakeholders, and drive organizational change. The book contrasts storytelling with data-heavy methods like PowerPoint, offering actionable techniques to humanize presentations and meetings.

This book is ideal for leaders, managers, and professionals seeking to improve communication skills. It’s particularly valuable for those in roles requiring persuasion, such as HR specialists, marketers, or executives at organizations like Telstra, Accenture, or Australia Post—clients Gabrielle Dolan has directly advised.

Yes. The book provides actionable storytelling frameworks backed by real-world examples from Dolan’s work with top ASX companies. It debuted as a #2 Australian business bestseller and is praised for transforming dry corporate communication into engaging dialogue.

Dolan emphasizes five elements: authenticity, emotional resonance, simplicity, relevance, and a clear call-to-action. She provides templates for structuring stories around challenges, turning points, and outcomes, helping readers move beyond facts to create memorable messages.

Unlike theoretical approaches, Dolan’s method focuses on practicality. She combines her corporate experience (e.g., at National Australia Bank) with academic rigor (Harvard Kennedy School training) to create a step-by-step system for crafting stories that align with business goals.

Absolutely. The book teaches how to use storytelling in job interviews, performance reviews, and networking. For example, Dolan advises structuring accomplishment stories using the “Challenge-Action-Result” framework to highlight problem-solving skills.

Some readers note the concepts require practice to master, particularly for those accustomed to data-driven communication. However, Dolan addresses this by including exercises and workplace scenarios to build confidence gradually.

It expands on concepts from Ignite: Real Leadership and Hooked: How Leaders Connect, focusing specifically on workplace narratives. Dolan’s later book Magnetic Stories (2021) delves deeper into brand storytelling, making Stories for Work a foundational read.

The book includes case studies from Dolan’s clients, such as using storytelling to reduce resistance during organizational change at a financial institution and improving employee retention through values-driven narratives at a tech firm.

Dolan advises adapting stories for digital platforms by using shorter anecdotes (under 90 seconds), incorporating visuals metaphorically, and opening with relatable questions to engage remote audiences.

Yes. The book discusses tailoring stories to diverse audiences by adjusting cultural references and emotional cues. Dolan draws on global client experiences, including work with the Obama Foundation and Vodafone.

Effective workplace storytelling isn’t about embellishment—it’s about strategically using personal and organizational narratives to make data memorable, build trust, and inspire action. As Dolan states: “Facts tell, stories sell”.