Sacred story book
Sacred story book
Name and history
A sacred story book is an artefact and symbol of remembrance, it is designed to create ritual and celebration around transition, particularly around significant or traumatic events. It is a physical embodiment of the archetypal stories told about an event or phenomena. It is especially important for recording the diversity of stories told around an event so as to avoid the dangers of a single definitive narrative which loses out on the richness of the messier, more diverse reality of these kinds of transitions.
Workflow
Sacred stories refer to narratives that hold significant cultural or organisational value. Sacred stories play a significant role in knowledge management by serving as vehicles for the transfer, retention, and contextualization of knowledge within an organisation. These stories embody the core values, beliefs, and identity of a community or organisation.
- Identity and Belonging: Sacred stories help reinforce the identity of the organization or community. They create a sense of belonging and continuity, linking the past, present, and future .
- Behavioral Norms: These stories often illustrate desired behaviors and outcomes, acting as a guide for individuals within the organisation. They can inspire and motivate people to align their actions with the shared values .
- Decision-Making: In complex environments where clear-cut answers are rare, sacred stories can provide a framework for making decisions. They offer a shared understanding of what is valued and why, which can be crucial in navigating ambiguity and uncertainty.
Knowledge Transfer
- Tacit and Implicit Knowledge: Sacred stories often convey tacit knowledge, which is difficult to codify and transfer through formal documentation. They allow for the sharing of insights, experiences, and understandings that are not easily captured in manuals or databases.
- Cultural Transmission: These stories help new employees understand the organization’s values, norms, and practices by illustrating them in relatable and memorable ways.
Retention and Memory
- Organizational Memory: Sacred stories serve as a repository of collective organizational memory, preserving important events, decisions, and experiences that shape the identity and practices of the organization.
- Lesson Learned/ Lessons Learning: Stories are more memorable than abstract principles or guidelines, aiding in the retention of important lessons and best practices.
Example of this may include:
What story of your career would you tell someone who is considering working in your organisation?
What is the story of your lifetime that you would like for your grandchild to remember?
What was the most significant change or experience you had being a part of this project?
Facilitation skills Required
No facilitation required, but the Story book can provide foundational material that you can run other workshop activities or methods.
Preparation
A collection of ‘sacred stories’ through the use of SenseMaker or other Narrative Capture methods is a prerequisite to compiling a sacred story book.
Workflow
- Conduct Narrative Capture
- Structure or organise into chapters the Sacred Storybook
- Include relevant graphs and images per chapter
- Graphic design and production
References
Books and articles
- Kurtz, Cynthia & Snowden, David. (2007). Bramble Bushes in a Thicket. Narrative and the Intangibles of Learning Networks. Strategic Networks: Learning to Compete.
- Example of a sacred story book from Wales: Live Learning Partnership; Your Pandemic Stories
Blog posts
- Dave Snowden, Hiraeth, manure and spade work, The Cynefin Co website (February 17, 2024)
- Dave Snowden, Diversity & coherence, The Cynefin Co website (November 21, 2020)