Many people ask me where to find metaphors that will work for them in business. One excellent source: political writers and commentators, liberal or conservative. Because they write for the general public, they must be masters at creating metaphors that anyone can understand. John Dickerson, author of “The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency,” is one of the best. Here are some examples from his new book. Notice how easy they are to instantly understand and how they then illuminate his point.
The Theme
The premise of this very highly recommended, entertaining, and timely book succinctly (and metaphorically) put is,
“What got you to the White House won’t necessarily get you to Mt. Rushmore.” (p, 288)
The Broad Challenge
“Presidential campaigns are covered like sporting events…Given the distance between the talents, personal qualities and skills required to win an election and the talents, personal qualities and skills required to run a government, it’s more like the voters are judging a football game and then putting the winning team in charge of synchronized swimming” (p. XXVI)
The Jolt
“In the National Football League, when a rookie gets knocked off his feet in his first game by an opposing player who seemed to come from out of nowhere, a veteran or coach will greet his wobbly return to the sidelines by saying, “Welcome to the NFL.” This happens in the Presidency too: the challenges come from out of nowhere…” (P.27)
On the Separation of Powers
“There is no referee in a pickup basketball game. Players abide by a common understanding of the rules of the game, which keeps it from turning into rugby. Every player presses their advantage, but when there is an obvious foul, the injured party speaks up, the person who committed the foul fesses up, and an accommodation is made. Play ball. The interruption is so short that the players’ sweat barely has time to cool. The commitment to individual success and the team success does not override the broader spirit that is necessary for the game to be played…This is how the founders conceived of the rules separating the political branches…Over time, however, the balance has been disrupted…” (p. 129)
The Personal Frustration
“A President has valets, butlers, aides and bodyguards watching for the sign of some need they can fulfill, but the things a president truly wants—quick action in Congress, the agreement of a foreign leader, walking to get an ice cream cone on a summer night—are maddeningly out of your reach. You can shake your scepter and sometimes it’s just a rattle.” (p.239)
On Leadership
(Dickerson describes no fewer than seventeen attributes a president should demonstrate and that voters should look for. This is one.)
“A president is not a ruler who barks out commands. A president is not a weathervane either, listening only to the public outcry. Instead, a president must know when the people are ready to be led in a new direction. A president who has a close relationship with the people can create the conditions for leadership, but action hero presidents who wildly shift public opinion exist only in the movies.” (p. 430)
Choose From Common Experiences & Knowledge
The scepter/rattle metaphor may not spring readily to your mind, but a sword/rattle comparison would certainly be possible. With a little thought, the ruler/weathervane is equally accessible. And, of course, the world of sports is always a fallback source for analogies (extended metaphors).
The more you read political columns or listen to political commentators, the more you will notice how they use the power of metaphors and analogies to engage, persuade and explain anything to anyone–and the easier it will become to create them for yourself.
Anne Miller
Make What You Say Pay! – with Metaphors
P.S. If you are interested in politics, current events, and the future of the American Presidency, I highly recommend John’s book, which is rich in well-written examples, history, and astute analysis. Also, check out www.johndickerson.com for his podcasts, newsletter & more.
Looking to create your own best metaphors for your business? Contact me at amiller@annemiller.com
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