What’s your metaphor?
You’ve probably noticed I rely heavily on metaphors - the quickest way I know to understand something that’s unfamiliar or abstract is to compare it with something that isn’t.
Of course, all metaphors are limited; life isn’t really a journey and time isn’t really a river but those kinds of comparisons can be insightful enough to give us a handle on things… which is exactly what we need in strange and uncertain times.
Like these.
None of us have ever been through a Global Pandemic before, so I suspect we’ve all unconsciously identified something to compare it to, some parallel experience or story that shapes the way we perceive this thing.
Are you comparing our current situation to the last big outbreak in 1918-20… or are you secretly picturing the End Times? Is this like a storm... or a war? Or does it feel like the dawn of a new age, a chance to start again?
Does this feel like the inevitable collapse of a world built by vanity and greed? Or more like a race-against-time life and death struggle we might just survive if we’re prepared to go through some tough times together?
Are you on the Titanic? Or Apollo 13?
Metaphors matter in times like these. They determine how we think and act and ultimately, what kind of shape we’ll be in when this thing is over.
So, I’m asking you to share with the rest of us: what’s your metaphor?
I help leaders deliver results in a demanding context.
4 年My metaphor is around perspective. Our current circumstance is like parents when they see their child fall over. One rushes to help over anxious and worried that results in tears, upset and drama. The other calmly reassures their child falling over is part of playing and exploring, and they are OK. Right now, we need to accept that it is difficult and we are hurting, but it is OK and we will be OK. Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving - we survive by building strength and resilience to cope.