The word "myth" refers not just to old wive's tales or a story of something false. A myth, in its most positive sense, is a story that communicates a set of instructions to a community or a culture. It is a codification of experience. It communicates the wisdom and best actions of one generation, as it is passed down to the next.

During the next module, you have to project out 10 years. It is 2003 ___________ has successfully realized its vision of the ideal workplace. Your team is assembling for a gathering and celebration of the success of the past several years and it's time to tell the story. You are recalling the work and adventures of the last 10 years-- how your group rode to victory, accomplished its goals, slayed the dragons that needed to be slain , and overcame the obstacles through use of strategy, wits, and persistence.

In preparing your team report, feel free to act it out-- set the stage and tell your story.

Sample #2

Context: Organization whose traditions include annual Awards banquets

Verbal-

Your next assignment is to create a legend. Ten years from now-- the _____________ Awards Banquet, April 22, 2003. Your are going to tell the story of how you succeeded over the last 10 years. What solved the problems, what changes did you make, what is success, what barriers did you have to overcome?

You can speak, sing, dance it out. You are to make a presentation to this audience of 2000. Imbedded in this presentation is how you pass the baton on to the next generation.

Myths are complex and sophisticated vehicles for teaching. They are an instruction set. It contains advice for the next generation.

Put yourself out there 10 years.

Written-

It is the ____________ Awards Banquet, April 22, 2003... 10 years from now.

Your team is "reporting" (telling the story) of how you accomplished the mission of ____________ and achieved success over the last 10 years.

• What did you do?
• What changes were made?
• What were the blocks, and how were they overcome?
• What is success, and why did you accomplish it?

Speak (or sing, dance or act it out!) as though today is 2003. Address the audience from the vantage point of your ten years of experience.

Your legend, or 'myth.' should tell the essential story of your success, and have embedded in it the instructions that you are giving to the future leadership of _____________ to whom you are now passing the tradition.

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