“Metaphor” meant in Greek “carry something across” or “transfer.” The classic definition is comparing two things without using
words “like” and “as” but lately we use it more broadly, as a vivid statement that makes a point.Using metaphors is a master coaching skill, and useful for anyone who wants to influence or help others. It makes something very clear in a few words, and does it by going directly to right brain where it’s ‘gotten’ unconsciously so can’t be argued with, logically. Powerful. Here are some common ones nearly everyone will know:
SPINNING GOLD OUT OF STRAW
This comes from fairytale “Rapunzel.” The princess had to spin gold out of straw every night, and Rapunzel helped her. It stands for something “impossible” to do. Coaches often help clients spin gold out of straw, and good news is we require a coaching fee, not your firstborn!
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY
This is familiar to most of us from childhood and refers to life balance. I never had a client come to me who said, “Please help me learn to work more. My life is out of balance.”
RED SHOES
One of those “smackdown” fairytales from Hans Christian Andersen, who didn’t pull his punches. It’s about a little girl who absolutely had to have a pair of red dancing shoes, an obsession. Once she got them, and put them on, she couldn’t get them off, and she danced herself to death. Sometimes we help our clients remove red shoes.
IF MOHAMMED CAN’T COME TO THE MOUNTAIN, BRING THE MOUNTAIN TO MOHAMMED
An example of this is Just Think Foundation’s Media Mobile bus which brings media learning opportunity to inner-city teenagers in San Francisco. It means if they can’t, or won’t, come to you, take it to them. Or, do it easy way. Be flexible. Don’t get stuck on—it has to be done this way and I’m going to cram it down their throats.
YOU CAN’T MAKE A SILK PURSE OUR OF A SOW’S EAR
So don’t try! Some things aren’t going to happen, and wisdom is to know what’s worth your time and energy. Of course in coaching we might add, “Unless sow’s ear wants to be a silk purse,” because amazing things can happen when someone wants to change and gets good, consistent guidance in doing so.
