Metaphor matters because it opens the door to discover.

This blog is about discovery as much as it is about change.  Metaphors are all around us and most of the time we are not even aware of how they influence us.  We may may decisions and choices that are not as conscious as we thought.  Understanding the power of metaphors and how to use them in our own lives is one eclectic way to create change.

How to create your own metaphors may be a little more challenging.  The more logic you apply the less creative it will be.  Probably writing poetry is a good start but not suitable for many of us.  In my previous post, I referred to the recent study of  DNA of Innovators and the five key discovery skills.  Seems to me that these apply to the ability to develop a metaphor just as well.  I have modified them slightly:

1. association -  connecting apparently unlike things
2. observation – watch and listen and watch some more
3. experimentation – ask yourself “what if”
4. curiosity – question everything from a perspective of wonder
5. diversification – drawing on different experiences in different fields
   

James Geary shows how the  metaphor can subtly influence the decisions we make.  While some might find this video from Ted a little slow and uninspiring, there are some excellent points to be made and worth the 10 minutes.  Listen as Geary describes the three aspects of metaphor.

1. pattern recognition
2. conceptual synesthesia (see side graphic)
3. cognitive dissonance

Tests like the  bouba/kiki effect demonstrate that people do not attach sounds to visual shapes arbitrarily. Which shape would you call “Kiki” and which “Bouba?”

Metaphors are a key skill in story telling and story telling is a key to visionary leadership. Jason Mahoney on his site http://www.metaphor.org.uk/ that uses the tag line: Language to Change Our World.  He says: “The purpose of the metaphors that you generate is to achieve a specific outcome, to communicate meaning, to do something.”  I like that.

On my blog roll to the right you will see the link to Anecdote: Putting Stories to Work.  Their purpose is “Anecdote helps you harness the natural power of stories to bring your strategy to life.” I like that too..

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