Maybe this has happened to you: you get a text from a friend that says, “Not sure about this.” How do you interpret that? Are they unsure about plans you made? Are they agonizing over a decision they need to make? Or is it something else entirely? The uncertainty sends you into a tailspin of what-ifs and worry.

Now, imagine this scenario at work: you ask your team to propose a set of metrics to track your department’s performance. When you get the proposal back, it’s not what you expected. The metrics are broad and varied and won’t really shed light on the progress you need to measure. Not only do you not have the deliverable you needed, but now you’re worried about the time they’ve already spent and the time needed for a re-do.

What went wrong? In both cases, we were missing context.

Context plays a crucial role in our lives. It helps prevent misunderstandings and enables us to respond appropriately. It’s like filling in the blanks to create the complete picture.

Everyone talks about “context” and how crucial it is, but sometimes I wonder: has it become just another leadership buzzword? Are we really clear on what providing context means, and more importantly, how to do it well?

Context: What it is and why it’s so important

Context is similar to perspective. It provides the lens through which we see and, therefore, understand or make sense of something. Without it, things can be confusing or ambiguous, leading to misunderstanding, inefficiencies, and, in some cases, narrowly-averted disaster. Consider these benefits of context-setting:

• Facilitating understanding. Context provides clarity that helps us see the bigger picture, connect information, and make sense of details.
• Enhancing problem-solving and creativity. Understanding the context surrounding a challenge allows us to adapt more effectively and approach solutions differently.
• Aiding in priority setting. Contextual understanding helps us prioritize work based on relevance and impact, which can also help us optimize resources and effort.
• Increasing transparency and trust. Providing context helps us communicate more effectively and build deeper trust with our teams.

There’s no doubt that context can be a powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal. But as with many leadership superpowers, setting context is easier said than done. It might help to think about honing your context-setting skills by comparing it to the art of storytelling.

Context: In Comparison to the Art of Storytelling

Imagine a book. The words on the page are the details that give the story color. They fill in the blanks and shed additional light. The context is the background of the story—where and when it takes place, who the characters are, and what’s happening. That background helps people make sense of the details, just like context in real life helps us make sense of information.

I’m not saying you have to write a book every time you ask your team to complete a task. But what I am saying is that storytelling is the easiest—and most powerful—way to provide context.

How to leverage the power of storytelling to set context

The ability to effectively set context for your team will ensure clarity, alignment, and engagement. Consider these context-setting tips for leaders that leverage the power of storytelling:

Communicate the “why.”

Storytelling can help you articulate the purpose and significance behind projects or initiatives. It can be used to illustrate the impact of your team’s work on customers, stakeholders, or the organization as a whole. When people are able to see their work in context, they have better clarity—and motivation—to contribute to a larger vision.

Provide contextual background.

Sharing background information helps your team understand the factors influencing decisions and actions. But instead of just presenting facts and figures, frame the information with a narrative that explains the history, challenges, and opportunities that led to the current situation. Stories make information more relatable, helping people understand the context more deeply.

Set clear expectations—with examples.

We all know how important it is to set clear expectations, but it’s notoriously hard. Storytelling can help you demonstrate what success looks like in practical terms. When you point to past examples to clearly outline desired outcomes, you create clarity that ensures everyone is working with a shared understanding.

Encourage dialogue.

Strive to create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, and sharing their perspectives. When you encourage your team to explore different viewpoints and interpretations, you promote the type of creativity and critical thinking that can lead to breakthroughs.

Provide regular updates.

Remember that context can evolve over time with changing circumstances. It’s important to keep your team up to date, providing new information and adjusting context as necessary. This helps maintain alignment and keeps everyone focused on the right priorities.

With these tips, you can set better context for your team, create a clearer understanding of priorities and goals, and drive enhanced performance.

At Transitions Coaching, we believe leadership and storytelling go hand-in-hand. Meet the Transitions Coaching team here and learn how we can help you enhance your leadership in ways that will help you make a meaningful impact on your team and the organization as a whole.