Hi John,

What an interesting question. I've been thinking about it all day. I think all "true stories" are rooted in some form of truth but the details have a way of evolving with each telling, depending on the audience and the main idea one is trying to get across. Indeed, if you checked the facts of my story about Charles and Emma you'd quickly discover that these are not their real names and that the real "Charles" and "Emma" have a different quantity of children. I changed these particular details, and a few others, for their privacy. Does that make the heart of my story any less true or authentic?

With that said, a story that comes from a purely fictional place should be labeled as just that - fiction. If we present a made-up story as true it becomes inauthentic and puts the storyteller (aka leader) at risk of losing credibility and trust.  But even fictional stories - Aesop's fables, for example - can be powerful leadership tools when used in the right way.

These are my thoughts and I'm curious and hopeful to hear those of others on this very interesting question.

Thank you,
Alan