Our principal gave his annual “State of the Nation” address today. Started with a story. From memory . . .

I was leaving Christchurch, in a Boeing 737 a year ago – very rough – the aircraft was thrown around by extreme turbulence. I wondered if we would make it. Then there was a voice that said two things: THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING. and I DON’T THINK ANY OF US ENJOYED THAT.”

He was talking about our year just gone, as we lurch towards merger with the local university. (It’s been a tough year!!) Again, I think about the effectiveness of stories in communication to set the scene, build community and inspire vison.

I must check to see if my section on stories has anything in it.