On my podcast, The Innovation Storytellers Show, I’ve had guests from the US Navy, the US Air Force, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These are real heroes operating nuclear subs, doing deep military intelligence and strategy, and cultivating the next gen of military innovations designed to protect all of us.
Yet all of these conversations, every single leader told me that effective communication was the #1 most important skill set in combat or in training. In high-stakes military operations, there’s no room for confusion. When a mission is on the line, soldiers need absolute clarity and confidence.
That’s why elite military leaders rely on storytelling—not just strategy—to prepare their teams.
They don’t just say, “Here’s the mission.” They create mental rehearsal stories so that troops can visualize success before they even hit the field.
Relatable Problem: You’re leading an innovation initiative, but your team seems hesitant, overwhelmed, or skeptical.
Pro Tip: Use the Mental Rehearsal Storytelling Method:
- Paint the Mission’s Success Story: Describe what success looks like in vivid, concrete detail. It works for LeBron, Tony Robbins and Navy Seals alike.
- Anticipate Obstacles: Acknowledge what could go wrong—but then show how they’ll overcome it. The Navy Seals’ “Embrace the Suck” as part of their mission.
- Reinforce a Rallying Cry: Give your team a memorable phrase that keeps them focused. Consider creating a new one each quarter or around each goal until you reach completion.
When SpaceX was preparing for its first Falcon Heavy launch, Elon Musk didn’t just say, “here’s the plan, this will work, go do it.”. He told a story:
“We’re going to see two boosters land back on Earth at the same time. A historic moment. And if we pull this off, the future of interplanetary travel changes forever.”
Result? Tapping into a bigger vision doesn’t take writing a The Iliad or The Odyssey; a few well chosen sentences can motivate and clarify the mission. The Space X team was bought in. And the mission succeeded.
Your team needs more than tasks—they need a clear vision they believe in.
