I slipped into the local bookstore the minute it opened earlier this week — to snag, of course, Prince Harry’s newsworthy memoir, Spare. 

Over 400 pages — that I’m nearly halfway through. Work has only slightly suffered this week as a result. (Or maybe, rather … my sleep.) 

Nevertheless, I’ve anticipated the release of Spare for quite some time. Having studied European art and history at the University level and having lived abroad in Europe — well, I’ve always been uniquely fascinated with the Royal family and the role of the monarchy. In fact, the first term paper I ever remember writing — when I was, perhaps ten — was on Princess Diana Spencer. I’m sure I still have it somewhere. 

So, this memoir — it feels like something. Something important, even. 

Or, as Harry himself eluded in a recent interview — his way of ensuring the historical record is, ahem, right. 

And as I’ve read through nearly 200 of the total 416 pages of Spare — the writer inside of me has been completely gobsmacked by the way Prince Harry has chosen to ‘right the record’. 

By simply, telling his story — with honesty, humor and a striking sense of humanity. 

I mean, it’s obvious in so many ways. That’s sort of what a memoir is, after all. (Duh.) 

But, what I mean to say is that he felt that the most compelling way to share his life experience and what he believes to be ‘right’ — has been through nothing less than storytelling. 

It’s not just storytelling because it’s a memoir.

The entire format of the memoir — is all micro stories lending themselves to the larger story. 

It’s been an intentional decision. 

And, honestly, in my opinion — and in the opinion of one of my favorite Royal reporters, Elizabeth Holmes — it … moves you.

All of a sudden you’re transported to Balmoral castle — the sights, the sounds, the feel of the place (shades of ivory, white and cream bedding) — into the heartbreaking moment that King Charles tells his darling boy Harry that Mummy had been in a car crash. 

Page after page of story — there’s just something to say about how powerful it is. 

Which reminds me —

That not everyone will be compelled by facts (though important and necessary) — in the same way they are compelled by story. 

Translated to business: 

Not everyone will be compelled by data or process or the actual product or service you sell (though important and necessary) — but, I bet, that nearly all would be compelled by story. 

By putting them into the story. 

Less about function. Less about format. Less about formalities. 

Tell them how they will — and want to — feel. 

Drop them in the center of Africa or at Eton college or in the skies of Afghanistan or in the gates of Buckingham Palace. 

Paint the picture for them — of what’s on the other side of working with you. 

Drop them there — and then be the best, the very best, storyteller and story maker possible. 

(**But, ahem, please … in the spirit of doing good work with integrity … never forget to ‘fact check’ that story.) 

That’s all for now — back to Spare … (and golly, if you’re reading along with me, comment below and tell me — what do you think?!)