Using storytelling can be a powerful way to help people uncover the real meaning and purpose behind their work and actions, and thus reveal the culture and values that drive them. We can use a number of approaches here, to help workshop participants translate their everyday tasks or projects into more meaningful stories.

One example is the Hero’s Journey structure – as defined in Joseph Campbell’s book The Hero With A Thousand Faces – which features in thousands of popular novels and Hollywood movies.

By framing their projects and results in these terms, participants can see their work as truly heroic – and by analysing the journey they took, much more meaningful as well.

The exercise reveals new insights into the nature of people's work and the meaning they attach to it.