Why Stories Teach What Data Cannot
Feb 02, 2026Modern organizations are flooded with data. Dashboards, metrics, forecasts, and reports shape decision-making at every level. Yet despite all this information, people still struggle to change behavior or think long-term.
Tom Lombardo offers a compelling explanation: humans learn through story.
Stories engage emotion, imagination, and ethics simultaneously. They provide context. They simulate consequences. They allow us to experience futures without living them. This is why science fiction—and storytelling more broadly—has such educational power.
Tom argues that abstract theories rarely change minds on their own. Narratives do. When people see themselves in a story, they internalize its lessons. When they feel the tension of a dilemma, they begin thinking ethically rather than mechanically.
For educators and instructional designers, this insight is critical. Learning experiences that rely solely on content delivery miss an opportunity to engage learners more deeply. Stories create meaning. Meaning drives motivation.
For leaders, storytelling is not manipulation—it is sense-making. It helps teams understand why change matters and how their actions connect to broader outcomes.
Importantly, stories can hold complexity. They allow us to explore ambiguity rather than oversimplify. In a world facing uncertain futures, this capacity is invaluable.
If we want people to think more wisely about the future, we must teach them through experiences that feel human—not just informational.
Reflection Question:
Where could storytelling improve understanding or engagement in your own teaching or leadership context?
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