ADNOC Classification: Internal

Using Storytelling as a Design Thinking Tool

The challenge I chose is that of approaching different Emirati parents to sell the idea that

parents should allow their children the chance to take the course of their choice in the university.

This challenge was informed by the reality that a significant number of students are highly

influenced to take certain courses by their family, especially their parents. I, therefore, aimed at

seeing if I would effectively sell the idea to the parents I engage, especially since this can be a

sensitive topic because certain families may have legacy or reputation to keep in regards to

certain careers. That said, what parents should do is help their children in the process of self-

discovery to better understand their passion and interests, and can then support them in their

aspirations and dreams.

The tool I chose to achieve this goal was storytelling. Storytelling is a way of sharing

relevant information that deeply and emotionally connect with the audience. The shared

information attract the audience’s attention substantially as they can even empathize or relate

with the depicted situation. The tool seeks to address certain questions that appeal to the

audience. This is mainly so given the suspense stimulated by this tool, though important is to

ensure that at the end, the audience is not left hanging.

That said, I used storytelling by providing a narration in which students do not lead happy

and fulfilling lives because they did not pursue what they wanted. I painted a situation in which

such students are not actively engaged in education as they should, especially in regards to

creativity and innovation, because they are simply not interested in that field of study. I showed

that it is easier for one to remain motivated if he is in a field of study that he is passionate about.

I also painted the bigger picture in which the students have a high chance of ending up in jobs

ADNOC Classification: Internal

that they are not passionate about, and this affects both individual and organizational

productivity. I even cited cases of people who do not enjoy their work, which is an important

subject given that most of adulthood’s time is spent at work. The narration also went ahead to

show how some are so disappointed that they choose to go back to school or venture into careers

they did not even study in school in order to try and find that spark associated with individual

passion and interest.

The tool was effective because most parents connected with the stories and acknowledged

that indeed they should help their children in self-discovery and self-actualization, and guide

them in that line of career choice. However, I realized that it would have been better if he story

was coming from an accredited professional. I noticed that all the parents wanted to know if I

was a career consultant or expert. Storytelling was more effective for parents that I told I am a

career expert compared to those that I told I was not. Some parents also wanted to know how I

knew that people who took career paths they are not passionate about are not happy or do not

enjoy a better sense of self-fulfillment.

Towards that end, the next time I am using storytelling, I will assume the position of an

expert. Even if I may not be, I will be sure to explore the different perspectives of experts as that

would help to build credibility for my story, thus captivating audiences strongly. This is mainly

so because I will also be armed with facts and statistics related to the main information being

shared.


ADNOC Classification : Internal Using Storytelling as a Design Thinking Tool The challenge I chose is that of approaching different Emirati parents to sell the idea that parents should allow their children the chance to take the course of their choice in the university . This challenge was informed by the reality that a significant number of students are highly influenced to take certain courses by their family , especially their parents . I , therefore , aimed at seeing if I would effectively sell the idea to the parents I engage , especially since this can be a sensitive topic because certain families may have legacy or reputation to keep in regards to certain careers . That said , what parents should do is help their children in the process of self- discovery to better understand their passion and interests , and can then support them in their aspirations and dreams . The tool I chose to achieve this goal was storytelling . Storytelling is a way of sharing relevant information that deeply and emotionally connect with the audience . The shared information attract the audience ’s attention substantially as they can even empathize or relate with the depicted situation . The tool seeks to address certain questions that appeal to the audience . This is mainly so given the suspense stimulated by this tool , though important is to ensure that at the end , the audience is not left hanging . That said , I used storytelling by providing a narration in which students do not lead happy and fulfilling lives because they did not pursue what they wanted . I painted a situation in which such students are not actively engaged in education as they should , especially in regards to creativity and innovation , because they are simply not interested in that field of study . I showed that it is easier for one to remain motivated if he is in a field of study that he is passionate about . I also painted the bigger picture in which the students have a high chance of ending up in jobs ADNOC Classification : Internal that they are not passionate about , and this affects both individual and organizational productivity . I even cited cases of people who do not enjoy their work , which is an important subject given that most of adulthood ’s time is spent at work . The narration also went ahead to show how some are so disappointed that they choose to go back to school or venture into careers they did not even study in school in order to try and find that spark associated with individual passion and interest . The tool was effective because most parents connected with the stories and acknowledged that indeed they should help their children in self - discovery and self - actualization , and guide them in that line of career choice . However , I realized that it would have been better if he story was coming from an accredited professional . I noticed that all the parents wanted to know if I was a career consultant or expert . Storytelling was more effective for parents that I told I am a career expert compared to those that I told I was not . Some parents also wanted to know how I knew that people who took career paths they are not passionate about are not happy or do not enjoy a better sense of self - fulfillment . Towards that end , the next time I am using storytelling , I will assume the position of an expert . Even if I may not be , I will be sure to explore the different perspectives of experts as that would help to build credibility for my story , thus captivating audiences strongly . This is mainly so because I will also be armed with facts and statistics related to the main information being shared .