The 5 Types of Stories Every Leader Should Tell

There’s a reason why the best leaders don’t just communicate. They connect at a deep, personal level. And one of the most meaningful and sustainable ways to build that connection is through storytelling.

You don’t have to be a “natural storyteller” to lead with stories. All you need is courage and an unwavering belief that sharing your real, authentic moments can inspire, teach, and move people into action.

Here are 5 types of stories every leader should tell plus examples of how you can use them at work:

1. The "Who Am I" Story

   This is your origin story. Who are you as a leader? What values do you stand for? What do you care about? These types of stories showcase how life-defining moments have made you into the person you are today.

   
   

   Example in the workplace:

   This type of story works great when introducing yourself to new people. Going to an interview? Meeting new team members? Kicking off a new project? Weave in a story that helps strangers get to know you below the surface.

   
   

   “Early in my career, my boss ignores me to the point where I feel invisible and lost. Refusing to give up, I shadow senior colleagues in their meetings, ask questions, and teach myself new skills. After 3 months of proving my potential, I earn a promotion and change my boss’ perspective. This is why I’m passionate about finding the potential that exists in others.”

   
   

2. The "Why I’m Here" Story

   The Why type of stories are great at revealing motivations behind decisions. Why did you choose your career path? Why are you interested in this company or role? Why do you care about this initiative? The story will show that you’re not just a number or a title, you are a human being with a purpose.

   
   

   Example in the workplace:

   During your meetings or conversations, tell a story that connects your personal experiences to the topic at hand.

   
   

   “I care deeply about trust and transparency. After years of staying in the circle of trust with my best friend, I break it after one mistake and suffer the consequences. It hurts me down to my core. I spend years working to repair this relationship, one moment at a time. Never take relationships for granted. Always be transparent and don’t give people a reason not to trust you.”

   
   

3. The "We Can Do Anything" Story

   We’ve all been an underdog. This is your chance to remind people that overcoming adversity builds resilience and belief.

   
   

   Example in the workplace:

   During stressful times, people look to leadership for hope. Is your team feeling overwhelmed by a big deadline? Is your team demotivated after an unexpected layoff? This is where your story can open up your listeners’ hearts and minds.

   
   

   “During the pandemic, my team of 10 is cut in half. Everyone is feeling the pressure. The workload becomes impossible to handle. Team members approach me left and right. I huddle the team together to explain that we’re working in a new normal. New constraints. New priorities. New approaches. We leave the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. By pulling together and focusing on what we could control, we not only hit our numbers — we break a company record. We can do the same here.”

4. The "Lesson I’ll Never Forget" Story

   
   

   People relate even more strongly to moments when you messed up, made a mistake, or failed. And it’s not about the mistake itself as much as it’s about the lesson it taught you.

   
   

   Example in the workplace:

   Leaders who share their mistakes openly create a culture where growth and risk-taking are embraced. In the current corporate environment, humility and psychological safety are essential elements of a supportive workplace culture. Are team members refusing to listen to your suggestions? Tell them a story that will convince them to change their perspective.

   
   

   “My boss gives me an analysis project for a high-profile client. I knock it out in 30 minutes and send my findings to our sales team. Minutes later, they start questioning the data. I look over the data with my boss and realize I make a simple math error. I redo the project and review the work with my boss. I send it and receive a thank you minutes later. I learn that it’s always a good idea to take extra time to double-check your work because you don’t always get second chances. When you make silly mistakes, it ruins trust.”

   
   

5. The "Vision for the Future" Story

   People do enjoy hearing about the past and how far you’ve come. But that excitement loses momentum over time. People care more about where you’re going, so paint a vivid, emotional picture of what the future looks like.

   
   

   Example in the workplace:

   Remember, people don't care about individual tasks. They want to be part of a bigger journey. A clear vision story inspires action and commitment. If you’re rolling out a new initiative, tell a story about the future and how people can be active participants in the journey.

   
   

   “Our company begins with two visionaries who believe technology should be personal. Over time, this vision expands from computers to music, phones, and beyond, reshaping how the world connects, creates, and communicates. Each leap forward redefines what people expect from technology. In this next phase, our technology will seamlessly enhance our everyday life, from augmented reality to health, sustainability, and beyond. Every single person plays a role in this journey. Here’s how you can help.”

   
   
   
   

Practice Using the 5 Stories Every Leader Should Tell

Most people make wrong assumptions about storytelling. You don’t need a new story every time you speak. You need a few real, meaningful ones that you can use when the moment calls for it.

The best leaders aren’t perfect communicators, they’re relatable communicators. And storytelling is the most effective way to build bridges of connection between friends, colleagues, or even strangers.

Start building your own stories using these five categories. Practice over and over. Share them with your peers and build your inner confidence.

Watch how much more impactful and human your leadership becomes.

David Ghodsizadeh is the founder of Storytelling 4 Success, a business that teaches technical professionals and executive how to connect, lead, and inspire in the workplace through leadership storytelling. Everyone has a story to tell. Do you know how to tell yours?