“The Metaphor Minute” is a brief monthly note with examples from business, media, or politics that illustrate the power of metaphors and analogies to make a point, solve a problem, and get results. Use these stories to stimulate high pay-off metaphoric thinking in your business.
Nayla Bahri didn’t realize it then, but an image she heard back in a college literature class was to morph over the years into an incredibly effective metaphor for getting results for her clients at work. She recalls, “A faculty member asked our class something along the lines of, ‘Who do you think this character …
Graduation time and that means commencement speeches designed to inspire graduates as they leave the known safety of school and set out on the larger, unknown world stage. Celebrities, world leaders, artists, and corporate executives are among the speakers invited to start them off. Their speeches vary, but–not incidentally–almost all use a metaphor to enhance …
Imagine how you would feel if someone suddenly appeared in your office and said, “Hi. I’m from the IRS and I’m here to help you.” Your likely reaction–suspicion, fear, resistance– is similar to what anyone who works in an external or internal advisory role faces. Insiders think… Is my job at risk? Why do we …
Sometimes you get a sign from the universe about what you should do next. As I was looking for a story for this issue of The Metaphor Minute, a startling coincidence occurred that made it clear I was meant to share this particular story with you this month. Eight years ago I received an email …
Overwhelmed by figuring out the best way to use social media? Then, the brilliant new bestseller by Mitch Jackson, “The Ultimate Guide to Social Media for Professionals, Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs.” is for you. I am honored to have a chapter in the book alongside an illustrious group of social media gurus. Below is …