The Power of Metaphor

Metaphors are powerful tools in helping someone grow and develop. As with all leadership coaching, it come from the person, not yourself. An analogy that speaks to you won’t speak to another person. As you get to know the person you are leading and coaching, you come to know their particular interests. (Once again, this shows the importance of active listening by the coach leader.) At the appropriate time, you can use an metaphor that connects to them and their life.

Like the parables used by Jesus, a metaphor provides a comparison to what the coachee is currently experiencing. They work the best when the other person is familiar with them. Possible metaphors could be drawn from the world of sports (football, soccer), from particular hobbies (gardening, cooking), and life experiences known to everyone (an airliner).

For example, someone who loves gardening may have grown impatient in the advancement of the career. The coachee, through a series of great questions, could draw upon that metaphor to help the person see their impatience and the need to let certain processes work themselves out.

Metaphors surface emotions within the coachee that can become powerful motivation and impetus for change. Frequently, the comparison results in a new insight and perspective that lays the groundwork for change.