The Corporate Storyteller

Good leaders make people feel that they're insiders, says author and organizational consultant Warren Bennis. A good leader effectively makes people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery looking in.

In addition, Bennis says, a good leader makes everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. That, in turn, makes everyone feel centered and gives their work meaning.

The communication skills Bennis is describing are those of a leader who tells stories. Jim Sinegal, co-founder and CEO of Costco Wholesale, is a prime example. As he says, "What else have we got besides stories? That's what brings meaning to the work we do."