Narrative Tenets

The 10 narrative tenets are beliefs about community building held to be true by ENTS after implementing the P=ENTS methodology with their communities and learning from the experience.   

1. Embrace storytelling as a powerful means to communicate shared experiences, values and aspirations.

Example: Developers sharing tales of coding triumphs and nightmares can bridge gaps, letting everyone realise they're not alone in their challenges.

2. Promote narratives that celebrate the beauty of tradition and heritage, instilling a sense of reverence for the wisdom and values passed down through generations. 

Example: Narratives about classic games and their histories can instill a deep sense of nostalgia and respect. Remembering how it felt to play the first RPGs can renew appreciation for today's games.

3. Highlight the importance of personal and collective narratives in shaping identities and fostering a sense of belonging.

Example: NFT collectors thrive on the exclusivity and history of their tokens. Sharing the journey behind acquiring a particular NFT can bond collectors over their shared values and pursuits.

4. Preserve and transmit the community's cultural heritage through storytelling, ensuring the continuity of wisdom and traditions.

Example: Employees, especially in legacy companies, can benefit from tales of company origins and milestones, ensuring everyone understands and values their shared heritage.

5. Encourage the creation and dissemination of narratives that uplift and inspire virtuous action.

Example: Gamers revel in tales of epic victories or strategies. A community where gamers share their underdog moments can inspire others to push their limits.

6. Use the Hero's Journey to foster a narrative of hope, emphasising the potential for positive change and the pursuit of a better future.

Example: Every developer has that one project that felt impossible but shaped them. Encouraging sharing of such personal "Hero's Journeys" can foster growth and camaraderie in the developer community.

7. Counter narratives that seek to promote hatred of what is objectively true, good and beautiful, nurturing narratives that promote unity and social cohesion.

Example: In the world of NFT collectors, stories that highlight collaborations between artists from various backgrounds or cross-platform partnerships can unify people. For instance, when two renowned artists from different genres collaborate on an NFT project, it not only merges diverse fan bases but also celebrates the richness of combined artistic expression. 

8. Recognise the transformative power of narratives in shaping collective memory and cultural values.

Example: Gamers understand how a well-developed game storyline can change perceptions. Sharing and discussing narratives from games can offer insights into cultural and social shifts.

9. Embrace the use of symbolic devices to visually and audibly represent the community's values, history and aspirations.

Example: For employees, a shared anthem, motto or logo encapsulates the spirit of the company, offering an anchor of unity and identity.

10. Reject the victim culture by valuing personal agency and resilience over perpetuating a mindset of powerlessness and dependency.

Example: In the gaming community, tales of players who started as novices but mastered complex strategies or gameplay mechanics can inspire others. By emphasising the narrative of growth, learning and sheer determination, communities can champion the idea that everyone has the potential to evolve and excel, regardless of whatever setbacks they encounter.