Why stories stick #2: The time I tried to win an argument—and failed

Stories aren't just about entertainment—they're about influence. They've been used for centuries to convey messages, inspire emotion, and drive action. 

In the first blog in this series, I shared the moment I realized that facts alone don’t change minds—stories do. If you missed it, go back and read The meeting that changed my mind about employer branding.  

Today, I want to share another lesson. This time it’s about what happens when you focus on winning the argument instead of winning people over.  

The time I tried to win an argument—and failed 

Early in my career, I found myself in a heated debate with a client about their hiring process.  

They were convinced that speed was all that mattered—filling roles as quickly as possible. They believed that a fast hiring process was the key to success, no matter the cost.  

I came prepared. I had research, industry benchmarks, case studies—everything I needed to prove my point. I laid out the hard truth: cutting corners in recruitment was killing their long-term success. Their rushed process led to high turnover, disengaged employees, and wasted resources. The evidence was undeniable.  

They heard me, but they just didn’t get it. 

They nodded politely and asked a few questions. But I could tell—nothing was really sinking in. 

Then I took a different route. 

I told them a story.  

I shared the experience of another company with the same mindset. They prioritized speed over quality, filled roles in record time, and watched their retention rates crumble as people quit within months. They repeated this cycle—again and again—until they finally changed course.  

Instead of focusing on speed, they started hiring for culture fit and purpose. They took their time. They found the right people. And something changed.  

Retention rates rose. Engagement improved. Employees stayed, grew, and drove success.  

Silence. Then a nod. Then a conversation—not about hiring speed, but about hiring right. 

That’s when I realized:  

It’s not enough to be right—you have to be relevant. 

People don’t change their minds just because you‘ve given them the facts. They change their minds when they see themselves—or their company—in a story. When they understand the consequences of mistakes and imagine what that would feel like.  

That’s the power of storytelling.  

So, here’s my question to you: Do you want to win the debate, or win their hearts? 

Great storytelling doesn’t happen by accident—it's a skill. If you want to create compelling stories that influence, engage, and drive action, we’ve got the tools to help.  

Download our storytelling matrix—a proven framework for creating stories that stick. 

This was the second story in our three-part series. Stay tuned for the final chapter, where I’ll share the moment I realized my TEDx Talk wasn’t going to land... 

Ready to hone your storytelling skills? Enroll in our on-demand Storytelling Blueprint course today. You’ll master the art of storytelling and drive people to take action.