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Writer's pictureChris Bell

The Analogy Builder

Updated: Aug 12



The end of the summer and the beginning of fall always brings me into the mindset of going back to school and learning. It doesn't have to literally be school; every fall, I just think it's a good idea to commit to learning at least one new thing.


So let's learn a thing.

Creativity Partners is all about story, whether it’s your first day on the job or you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. When you’re in charge of other people, being able to convey ideas, vision, goals, or plans through story is going to put you a cut above the average manager. As a boss, being able to break down complicated concepts into simple, get-it-right-away ideas is huge for your team's success. Enter the analogy: it's like a cheat code for explaining things in a way that clicks. If you're good at making analogies, you can turn dry, hard-to-grasp concepts into cool, stick-in-your-brain insights that'll get everyone on the same page faster than you can say "synergy."


Why Analogies Rock in Leadership


Analogies are like mental shortcuts for your brain. They help you relate new or tricky ideas to something you already know, making it easier to get what's being said without getting lost in the details. And the best part? They can hit you right in the feels, making the message way more powerful than just throwing numbers and facts around.


Take Steve Jobs, for instance. He talked about computers being like bikes for your brain. That's a simple image that gets across the huge impact personal computers can have. It's way more memorable than listing off a bunch of tech specs.


How to Make Killer Analogies


This doesn’t have to be a mystery. Here’s a five step process to help get you off the ground:


1. Find the main point: What's the key idea you want to get through to people? Make sure you've got that locked down.

2. Think of everyday stuff: What's something simple and relatable that can help explain your big idea? Consider what your audience is into.

3. Spot the similarities: Look for things that are alike between your idea and the everyday thing. It's like matching puzzle pieces.

4. Make sure it makes sense: If your analogy falls apart when you look at it closely, it's not going to work. So, check it out and tweak it if you need to.

5. Practice your storytelling: Start with the familiar stuff, then smoothly glide into your complex idea, making sure the link is clear.


For example, let’s say you’re a team manager. You want to be a good team manager, right? Think about being a manager like going on a big road trip. You know where you want to go. That's like having goals for your team. But just like the road, things in the work world can change out of the blue - maybe a project starts going off the rails, or people want different things, or the economy goes haywire.


Now, a smart driver doesn't just keep their foot on the gas and ignore the traffic jam ahead, or keep cruising into construction when there's a detour, right? They switch lanes, maybe take a new road, or ease off the gas when the snow starts getting bad. It's the same with a team manager. When things change, you don't just stick to the same plan. You mix it up, maybe trying out new strategies or tweaking what’s not working. You’re always looking around, checking the road for anything weird. You’re not just waiting for trouble to smack you in the face; you’re ready to turn the team in a new direction when you see something coming.


Analogy! Get it?


Give It a Go: The Analogy Workshop


Now it’s your turn: Pick a tough work problem or concept. Spend five minutes playing with analogies. Once you've got a good one, polish it up with the steps above, and try explaining it in under 2 minutes. It's like … a mini TED Talk for your brain!


Some Business Analogy Greatest Hits


- Company culture is like a garden. It needs love, the right setting, and time to grow.


- Market competition is like an ecosystem. Businesses have to fit in and adapt to survive.


- Project management? Think of it like conducting an orchestra. Everyone's playing their part, and you're the maestro keeping it all together.


Don't Mess It Up: Common Mistakes


Keep it simple, people. If your analogy needs an analogy, it's too complicated. Don't go for something that'll leave your audience scratching their heads because they have no clue what you're talking about. Also, know when to stop pushing it. Analogies have their limits.


Next Level: Advanced Analogies


Once you've got the hang of it, try stringing together more than one analogy for a super complex idea. Also, tailor your analogies to different groups and get your team in on the action by having them create their own during brainstorming sessions. That’s another way to play at work, which you know is one of Creativity Partners’ favorite ways to innovate in the workplace.


Making Analogies “A THING” in Your Leadership Style


This isn't a one-and-done deal. Make analogies part of your regular leadership jam. Spend some time each week firing up new ones for meetings or presentations. Keep a list of go-to analogies for common work situations (John Milton called these “commonplaces,” and they’re invaluable.)


As Always, “What's the Takeaway?”


Getting good at using analogies is a big deal for any leader. It'll make you better at explaining things, get your team pumped, and generally make you a better communicator. It's like a GYM for your brain – the more you do it, the more buff your leadership skills get. Give it a shot, and watch how your team starts to catch on faster and run with your ideas.


Peace, Chris

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