Leadership Quick-Check

Every leader has a story. The question is whether you’re telling yours.

Most leaders introduce themselves by reciting credentials. The ones people remember introduce themselves by telling a story. This Quick-Check is a five-minute snapshot of where your storytelling carries weight as a leadership instrument, and where it leaks.

Three short sections. One question at the end that does the real work. Your results land in your inbox with a single question on the back end that Dr. Berger reads himself.

Dr. Rod Berger Author · The Narrative Edge

Begin

From the author of The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley, 2025). Built for leaders, founders, and operators who suspect their data is doing work their stories should be doing.

Part 01 / 03

Framework · 01

The Four Stories Every Leader Needs

Rate yourself from 1 to 5. 1 means you can’t tell this story at all. 5 means you tell it confidently and compellingly.

The Origin Story

I can clearly articulate why my company or team exists and why it matters, in a way that moves people, not just informs them.

Can’t tell itTell it confidently

The Vision Story

I can paint a vivid picture of the future we’re building that people can see and want to be part of.

Can’t tell itTell it confidently

The Values Story

I have specific stories that illustrate our values. Not principles on a wall, but real moments when we lived them under pressure.

Can’t tell itTell it confidently

The Transformation Story

I can tell the story of a specific customer or stakeholder whose life changed because of our work.

Can’t tell itTell it confidently

Part 02 / 03

Framework · 02

Kitchen Table vs. Police Report

This section explores whether you report your stories like a police record or share them across a kitchen table. Answer true or false.

In my last presentation to my team or board, I led with a story before diving into data.

When I introduce myself, I share something personal rather than reciting my résumé.

People describe my communication style as “engaging” or “compelling” more than “informative” or “thorough.”

I’ve shared a story of personal failure or struggle with my team.

I know the name and story of at least one specific customer whose life our work has impacted.

Part 03 / 03

Framework · 03

Story Impact Check

In the past 30 days, how many times has one of your stories…

…changed someone’s mind or decision?

…been retold by someone else?

…created an emotional response: laughter, tears, silence?

…opened a door that data alone couldn’t have?

One Last Question

The Question Behind The Questions

If every title were stripped away, what story would you tell?

If every title, credential, and accomplishment were stripped away, what story would you tell about who you are and why you do this work?

60 seconds or less. Don’t edit. Write what comes.

Your story

If you struggled with that question, you’ve just identified your biggest leadership communication gap.

One Last Thing

Before Your Results

Where do you want your story to take you next?

This shapes the next step we point you to. We never ask about budget.

Your aim

How big is your organization?

When do you want to act on this?

Your Result

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Part 01

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Part 02

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Part 03

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The Book

The Narrative Edge

Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment

The Quick-Check is the snapshot. The book is the field manual. Foreword by Halle Stanford. Wiley, 2025.

Get The Narrative Edge on Amazon

Apply · Trust(ed) Sessions

Apply for a Trust(ed) Co-Author Session

I am opening three private sessions to people who attended this webinar.

Each is a one-hour Zoom call with me. I will diagnose the single most consequential story or trust issue inside your organization. I will run a live Coherence read against the Stack you just saw. I will tell you what I see, what I would source next if I had more time, and where I would point your leadership team.

These are not sales calls. They are working sessions. You walk away with one usable diagnosis and a clear sense of whether the work I do is the work you actually need.

Selection is not about the size of your title. It is about the specificity of the question. The three winners will hear from me by the end of the month.

Your name

Email address

I will use this to reach you if you are selected.

Your role and organization

One line. Title, organization size or category, sector if relevant. No company names required.

The story or trust issue you would put on the table

One paragraph. Tell me the single most consequential story or trust issue you are sitting with right now. The more specific, the better. This is the field selection is based on.

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I understand that three applicants will be selected and the rest will receive a personal note from Rod by the end of the month.