Tool 9: Analogy and Metaphor

AKA

Metaphorical Thinking

Classification

Idea Generating (IG)

Tool description

To use an analogy or metaphor is to make an implied comparison between two things. Often creativity is stifled when we struggle with or resist addressing a perceived problem. In order to look at things differently, a team may create several analogies to clarify a problem or to place it into a different context. The ability to look at one thing (the current problem situation) and to see another (similar situation) can lead to the transfer of a potential solution to the real problem.

Typical application

• To find transferable solutions to a problem by focusing attention away from the real problem.

• To engage in metaphorical thinking for the purpose of thinking creatively about some problem or opportunity.

• To compare and integrate different sets of concepts found in analogies and metaphors.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
1	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Forced choice

• Forced association

• Fresh eye

• Brainstorming

• Mental imaging

after

• Semantic intuition

• Checkerboard method

• Creativity assessment

• Run-it-by

• Presentation

Notes and key points

• Definitions (from The Random House Dictionary, 1978)

  Analogy	"A partial similarity on which a comparison may be based." "A form of reasoning in which one thing is inferred to be similar to another thing in a certain respect on the basis of the known similarity in other respects."
  Metaphor	"A figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance."
  Simile	"A figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared."

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 A facilitator first displays a problem statement to the team.

• STEP 2 The team thinks of analogies and attempts to solve every recorded analogy. The facililtator guides the discussions and records potential problem-solving ideas on flip charts.

• STEP 3 Upon the conclusion of the discussion, the team translates or attempts to transfer ideas or problem solutions back to the original problem.

• STEP 4 Finally, the team sorts and evaluates all information compiled. The best ideas for problem resolution are recorded for team action.

Example of tool application

In the Workplace

Analogy:

• Excellent teamwork is a well-oiled machine.

• Fun at work is having a party.

• A coach is to a team as a facilitator is to a group.

Metaphor:

• Product life cycle — a blink in time

• Recognizing a problem — the tip of an iceberg

• Peak performance — a spark of energy

Simile:

• Getting cooperation is like pulling teeth.

• Finding a solution is like finding a needle in a haystack.

• The improved process runs like clockwork.