Storytelling That Delivers Program and Project Outcomes from edX

Program and project managers are master storytellers. They have to be in order to weave high-priority information into a memorable narrative for their people. Customers must commit to and understand their goals, and how the program is meeting them. Stakeholders need to trust the direction and stay engaged with the program intent. Program and project teams and leaders, need to understand what matters and how their work connects to the greater whole.

Storytelling is not a part of the Project Management Institute, Inc's (PMI) "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge'' (PMBOK). Storytelling is not something that Certified Associate In Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), certified scrum masters, or other certified project manager credential holders will encounter on an exam. Storytelling is something that successful program or project managers learn from years of experience. If storytelling is not on the PMP exam or similar project management certification exams, why should you bother learning how to tell good stories?

Because, human brains are naturally designed for stories. We have brain structures devoted to making sense of the world in cause-effect terms. Good stories are like flight simulators in that you can try out various approaches to a problem before tackling the real problem. Risk management for programs and projects is more effective when using compelling narratives. Stories are also effective ways to transmit large amounts of information to your project teams and stakeholders. People can remember more information and act effectively on that information. For agile project management, stories are how customers communicate their requirements to the agile project team. Stories are the foundation of persuasive communication and will help you become an expert communicator.

In this online course of the Program Management and the Art of Communication certificate program, you will learn how great program and project managers use their storytelling skills to create compelling project visions, persuade stakeholders, and design effective risk management strategies.

Earn 10 professional development units (PDUs) while completing the only professional certification program that helps you develop storytelling as part of your collection of project management tools.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain the structure and components of stories.
Create a vision and status stories for your project or program using common story structures.

Utilize stories to help you better manage risks on programs and projects.
Use stories to help you in negotiations and managing stakeholders.

Explain the structure and components of stories.
Create a vision and status stories for your project or program using common story structures.
Utilize stories to help you better manage risks on programs and projects.
Use stories to help you in negotiations and managing stakeholders.

Syllabus

Week One - The Structure and Components of Stories

Module One - What is a Story?

Module Two - How Do Stories Work?

Module Three - Structuring Your Stories

Module Four - Becoming a Proficient Storyteller

Week Two - Telling the Program or Project’s Story

Module One - The Program or Project Vision as a Story

Module Two - Creating a Memorable Vision Story

Module Three - Reporting Status with Stories

Module Four - Negotiating with Stories

Week Three - Risk Management Through Storytelling

Module One - The Basics of Effective Risk Management

Module Two - Converting Risk Management Practices into Stories

Module Three - Telling Risk Management Stories

Module Four - Teaching Your Team Risk Management First Aid Stories

Week Four - Managing Stakeholders with Stories

Module One - Analyzing Your Stakeholders

Module Two - Finding Stories that Resonate

Module Three - The Different Types of Stories for Projects and Programs

Module Four - Using Stories to Capture Lessons Learned for Programs

Week Five - Storytelling with Data (Bonus Module)

Module One - The Power of Data in Your Stories

Module Two - Converting Data Analysis Into Stories

Module Three - Making Data Stories Understandable through Metaphors

Module Four - Presenting Data Charts Effectively

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on a core skill for program and project managers and their success: storytelling

Taught by Bill Brantley, an experienced instructor in program and project management

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate program and project managers

Develops professional skills in storytelling for program and project managers

Could be strengthened with real-world case study examples

Would be more accessible if offered as a self-paced course

Reviews summary

Comprehensive storytelling for projects

Learners say this course is a great resource for learning about the advantages of storytelling and how to use storytelling techniques to convey information and results effectively. Students also say the course structure is designed to assist in committing the material to long-term memory.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Storytelling That Delivers Program and Project Outcomes with these activities:

Review key project management concepts

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Refreshing your knowledge of fundamental project management concepts will ensure that you have a solid foundation for applying storytelling techniques effectively.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous project management courses
Complete online quizzes or practice questions to test your understanding

Revisit PMP certification guide

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Referencing the PMP certification guide in use prior to beginning the course will ensure mastery of the most recent and relevant terminology and concepts used throughout the course.

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Read through the entire guide, highlighting unfamiliar or outdated concepts
Complete any reference simulations or practice questions in the guide

Tutorial: Storytelling for Program and Project Managers

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This tutorial will provide a solid grounding in storytelling principles and their application in program and project management, helping you to become a more effective communicator and leader.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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View the video tutorial on storytelling techniques for program and project managers
Complete the accompanying exercises to practice applying storytelling principles in different scenarios

Two other activities

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Create a Storytelling Playbook for Your Project

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Developing a storytelling playbook will help you organize and refine your storytelling approach, ensuring that your messages are clear, compelling, and impactful.

Browse courses on Project Communication

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Identify the key stakeholders for your project and their information needs
Craft stories that resonate with each stakeholder group, addressing their specific concerns and interests
Compile your stories into a comprehensive playbook that can be easily accessed and shared

Join a Storytelling Circle with Fellow Project Managers

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Engaging in regular storytelling circles with other project managers will allow you to share experiences, learn from each other's insights, and refine your storytelling skills in a collaborative environment.

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Find a group of project managers who are interested in storytelling
Meet regularly to share stories, discuss challenges, and provide feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Storytelling That Delivers Program and Project Outcomes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers lead teams to deliver projects successfully. This course helps you gain essential skills in project management, including how to create a vision and status stories, manage risks, and negotiate with stakeholders. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee all aspects of a complex project's lifecycle. This course helps you build a strong foundation as a Program Manager by teaching you how to create a compelling vision and persuade stakeholders. The skills you will learn in this course will help you manage programs more effectively and achieve greater success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and manage risks that could impact projects or programs. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to manage risks more effectively. By learning how to communicate risks clearly and persuasively, you will be able to help your organization make better decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Stakeholder Manager

Stakeholder Managers work to engage stakeholders and ensure that their needs are met. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to manage stakeholders more effectively. By learning how to communicate with stakeholders in a way that resonates with them, you will be able to build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stakeholder Manager

Communications Manager

Communications Managers are responsible for the internal and external communications of an organization. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to communicate with your stakeholders effectively. By learning how to tell stories that are clear, concise, and engaging, you will be able to build stronger relationships with your stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of an organization. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to communicate with the media and the public effectively. By learning how to tell stories that are newsworthy and engaging, you will be able to build a positive reputation for your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to create marketing messages that resonate with your target audience. By learning how to tell stories that connect with your audience, you will be able to increase your marketing effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Teacher

Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans to students. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to create lesson plans that are engaging and effective. By learning how to tell stories that illustrate your key points, you will be able to help your students learn more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, public relations, and journalism. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to create content that is engaging and effective. By learning how to tell stories that connect with your audience, you will be able to increase your writing's impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Trainer

Trainers develop and deliver training programs to employees. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to create training programs that are engaging and effective. By learning how to tell stories that illustrate your key points, you will be able to help your learners retain information more effectively.

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Storyteller

Storytellers use stories to entertain, educate, and inspire others. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to captivate your audience. By learning how to tell stories that are well-structured and engaging, you will be able to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyteller

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to communicate your insights and recommendations effectively. By learning how to tell stories that are clear, concise, and persuasive, you will be able to increase your credibility and influence.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams to achieve sales goals. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to persuade customers to buy your products or services. By learning how to tell stories that are relevant and compelling, you will be able to increase your sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to communicate your analysis and recommendations more effectively. By learning how to present data in a clear and engaging way, you will be able to help your organization make better decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course teaches you how to use storytelling to create a compelling vision for your product and persuade stakeholders to support it. By learning how to communicate your vision effectively, you will be able to increase your chances of success in bringing your product to market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager