The Halo and the Noose offers an innovative approach to the stories that beat in the heart of an organisation. Here are techniques and practical applications. At a deeper level the book shows a way of being in business and doing business. The book will raise your story IQ so you can hear and tell your work life in a new and vital way.

The authors set out their complex and important themes with an impressive directness and clarity. They achieve this by the simple, persuasive device of practising what they preach. For the narrative moves between argument and story in a seamless way which argues a deep but unobtrusive scholarship in the literatures, cultures and traditions of many societies.

Endorsements

“The Halo and Noose should be seen as an exciting further step in the long process of re-connecting business life to the mainstream of human history, experience and potential.”

Ralph Windle, founder/ director: The Creative Value Network

“This is the best book about leadership and business that I have seen in a long time. It is fresh, interesting, needed and written to reach out and touch the toughest part of each of us. This is not about story telling, but more importantly, about how we can all change our story and create a future distinct from the past. Read this book”.

Peter Block author (Flawless Consulting) and consultant partner in Designed Learning, USA. Masters Degree in Industrial Administration (Yale)

“A great piece of work which stimulates one to look at life differently – very useful for consultants, trainers and coaches who can draw on the various aspects of storytelling in ways that traditional methods simply cannot.”

Angelo Kehayas, CEO Profweb, Fellow Certified Management Consultant, BSc, and MBA

“What a brilliant read this was. The Halo and the Noose is a truly motivational and energizing read. The book inspires us to learn from individual life experiences, and organizations will undoubtedly achieve business success through developing their people in this way.”

Stephen Edwards, MA. MD of Customer 1st International ( UK )

“I can’t remember when last I was so impressed with something. Wow! This book needs to reach the USA and the mainstream of business and societal conversation there. I am SO excited about this publication and even more exited about having this kind of resource available.”

Louise Van Rhyn – BSc / MBA / DMAN (Doctorate in Organisational Change), MD of Syphonia, and lecturer at University of Stellenbosch Graduate School of Business.

Why a book about story telling and story listening in business?

Research shows convincingly that people relate well to story – they identify, become interested, their right-brains become involved, they suspend belief and counter-argument, learn, are motivated, memory is enhanced, and action results. Story brings an added dimension to employees – who don't always take well to jargon, data, bullet point slide presentations, and the like. Story also teaches the critical communication competencies of speaking and listening.

What is the book about?

Written in three main sections, the book covers not only the way and how of story telling and listening, but the ways in which stories work in business. It is loaded with findings, advice and tips addressing many business topics, and contains numerous anecdotes, quotes and stories.

What readership or audience is the book aimed at?

This book is a very useful resource for educators, leaders, coaches, sales persons, contact centre and service staff, and those tasked with fostering learning and development within their organisations. It is also essential for anyone wishing to become more adept at telling their own stories.

Dorian Haarhoff