The book introducesthe concept of narrative intelligencean ability to understand and act and react agilely in the quicksilver world of interacting narratives. It shows why this is key to the central task of leadership, what its dimensions are, and how you can measure it. The books lucid explanations, vivid examples and practical tips are essential reading for CEOs, managers, change agents, marketers, salespersons, brand managers, politicians, teachers, parentsanyone who is setting out to the change the world.

The Author

Stephen Denning is senior fellow at the James MacGregor Burns Leadership Academy at the University of Maryland and the author ofThe Leaders Guide to Storytelling and Squirrel Inc. from Jossey-Bass. He is former program director, knowledge management, at the World Bank. In 2003 he was named as one of the worlds Top Two Hundred Business Gurus. His articles have appeared in leading business publications such asHarvard Business Review andStrategy& Leadership.

Preface: My Leadership Journey vii

Part One: What Is Transformational Leadership? 1

Introduction: Ten Mistakes Transformational Leaders Make 3

1 The Secret Language of Leadership 21

Part Two: The Language of Leadership: Key Enablers 51

2 Articulating a Clear, Inspiring Goal 53

3 The Leaders Own Story: Committing to the Goal 65

4 Mastering the Audiences Story 80

5 Cultivating Narrative Intelligence 92

6 Telling Truthful Stories 116

7 Leadership Presence: The Body Language of Leadership 132

Part Three: The Language of Leadership: Key Steps 147

8 Getting Peoples Attention 149

9 Stimulating Desire 166

10 Reinforcing with Reasons 187

11 Continuing the Conversation 199

12 Epilogue 211

Appendix 1: Presentation to the Change Management Committee of the World Bank: April 1996 221

Appendix 2: Templates and Exercises 229

Appendix 3: Whats Your Narrative Intelligence? 235

Notes 245

Acknowledgments 265

About the Author 267

Index 269