Analogies are like habit stacking. They allow people to take a new idea and pair it with an old idea already committed to long term memory. Pairing the new with the old increases the chances of the idea being transferred from short term to long term memory. However, if you're someone that is know for using analogies (like I am), you may run the risk of over using them (remember the saying, too much of a good thing). Like slides in a presentation, analogies should support, not drive your narrative.
As someone who is constantly pulling analogies and metaphors from life to help us understand each situation in which we find ourselves, I love this and couldn’t agree more. Beyond leadership, two of my other favorite applications: parenting & communicating tough-to-explain science.
I love this..."Great analogies become “old friends” quickly and can be repeated again and again." Great article with a lot to pursue. I read recently that "to create something great, you must connect with the world!" [Alex Smith] Analogies help us through connecting with the world. We must, however, "know the world." I am trying to find ways, within my limited scope, to "know the world." I do this, primarily, through pursuing TRUTH. Thanks for sharing another great article!
I have learned in almost every field. It is about telling stories. In Analytics, it can mean visualization. In operations, it can mean briefing people and using fables to motivate the team to utilize principles to accomplish the task, while for the higher ups a business report might be preferable.
Regardless, your tips on using an analogy add another layer to this onion.
I’ve been surprised how well AI tools can help with identifying a good analogy. Explain that you are looking for an analogy, then explain your concept and the kind of analogy you want (scientific, artistic, pop culture). Ask for five ideas. I rarely use the exact analogies it comes up with, but it often makes connections I wouldn’t and that helps me stretch the idea further.
"...Potential analogies exist everywhere. Searching for a great analogy begins by asking what features or benefits of the idea are hard to grasp..."
This part is instrumental when coming up with analogies. Like anything else, this should be a deliberate thing we do, to bring commonness (essence of communication). I have learned that analogies follow keen listening. The starting point to getting the perfect analogy is listening to what people keep repeating as their challenge.
I love the article's end about good analogies becoming old friends. Well done.
Analogies are like habit stacking. They allow people to take a new idea and pair it with an old idea already committed to long term memory. Pairing the new with the old increases the chances of the idea being transferred from short term to long term memory. However, if you're someone that is know for using analogies (like I am), you may run the risk of over using them (remember the saying, too much of a good thing). Like slides in a presentation, analogies should support, not drive your narrative.
As someone who is constantly pulling analogies and metaphors from life to help us understand each situation in which we find ourselves, I love this and couldn’t agree more. Beyond leadership, two of my other favorite applications: parenting & communicating tough-to-explain science.
I love this..."Great analogies become “old friends” quickly and can be repeated again and again." Great article with a lot to pursue. I read recently that "to create something great, you must connect with the world!" [Alex Smith] Analogies help us through connecting with the world. We must, however, "know the world." I am trying to find ways, within my limited scope, to "know the world." I do this, primarily, through pursuing TRUTH. Thanks for sharing another great article!
I have learned in almost every field. It is about telling stories. In Analytics, it can mean visualization. In operations, it can mean briefing people and using fables to motivate the team to utilize principles to accomplish the task, while for the higher ups a business report might be preferable.
Regardless, your tips on using an analogy add another layer to this onion.
Maybe one day, I will understand it all.
Today is not that day though;).
Thank you for your time.
When presenting to a group in prefer to reference the “ Cake Mix” analogy.
The approach is many ingredients/ individuals play a role in making an activity a success.
The goal is the achieved
I’ve been surprised how well AI tools can help with identifying a good analogy. Explain that you are looking for an analogy, then explain your concept and the kind of analogy you want (scientific, artistic, pop culture). Ask for five ideas. I rarely use the exact analogies it comes up with, but it often makes connections I wouldn’t and that helps me stretch the idea further.
"...Potential analogies exist everywhere. Searching for a great analogy begins by asking what features or benefits of the idea are hard to grasp..."
This part is instrumental when coming up with analogies. Like anything else, this should be a deliberate thing we do, to bring commonness (essence of communication). I have learned that analogies follow keen listening. The starting point to getting the perfect analogy is listening to what people keep repeating as their challenge.
I love the article's end about good analogies becoming old friends. Well done.