No Limits on Your Metaphor Imagination

No doubt you saw pictures and stories on March 8^th International Women’s Day celebrating and supporting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women around the world. In that spirit, when you look at the metaphors below used by various women to explain, persuade, or influence their listeners, notice how the sources of metaphors are limited only by one’s imagination. 

Also, be sure to take the Metaphor Imagination Self-Test at the end of this article.  

Metaphors From Women to Explain, Persuade, Influence

Oprah Winfrey.  What metaphor did she use to advise about failure in life? School. “Failure is a great teacher. If you’re open to it every mistake has a lesson to offer.” 

Melinda Gates, philanthropist,co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. How did she describe the importance of investing in women and girls? As a ladder, explaining that when women have access to education and opportunity, they can climb the ladder of success and lift their families and communities with them.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Supreme Court Justice and advocate for gender equality. What comparison did she use to explain the importance of diversity and inclusion? A “skating rink,” explaining that a skating rink with only one type of skater is limited and uninspiring, whereas a rink with a variety of skaters of different backgrounds and abilities is dynamic and exciting.

Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM. has used the metaphor of a “digital immune system” to describe the need for companies to protect themselves from cyber attacks and other threats in the digital age.

Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany. How did she communicate the challenges of leadership? As a“tightrope walk,” explaining that a leader must balance competing interests and navigate difficult terrain while staying focused on the goal.

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. How did she describe the opportunity to transform and innovate the automotive industry? Like using a “clean sheet of paper,” explaining that by starting with a fresh perspective, GM can create new solutions and technologies that benefit customers and the environment.

Mary Barra.  How did she emphasize the importance of focusing on one’s growth and potential, rather than competing with others? With a metaphorical quotation: “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” Zen Shin

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, has used the metaphor of a “performance car” to describe the importance of setting high standards and pushing oneself to achieve excellence.

Marilyn Loden, mid-level Manager at New York Telephone Company coined a metaphor in 1978 that (unfortunately) resonates to this day. Speaking on a women-at-work panel, she said, “It seemed to me there was an invisible barrier to advancement that people didn’t recognize.” That day, she called it the “glass ceiling,” 

Whether it’s Merkel’s tightrope or Mary Barra’s  Zen Shin flower,  their chosen metaphors evoke associations, images and feelings that sharpen the points they want to make and give their messages greater resonance and retention for listeners.

Take This Metaphor Imagination Self-Test

Those were some examples of metaphors used by prominent women to make a point.   Here’s a chance to exercise your own metaphor muscle. 

1. Think of a strong admirable woman you know.
2. What qualities does she have?
3. What metaphor(s)/analogy(s) would best describe her? 
4. Is she a…

• • Warrior? –  Brave, resilient and willing to fight for what she believes in
  • Rising Star? – Moving on an upward trajectory with the potential for great success
  • Rock? – Dependable, reliable, unshakeable in the face of adversity
  • Queen? – Regal, dignified, deserving of respect and admiration
  • Trailblazer? – Pioneering, breaking new ground and leading the way for others
  • Phoenix? – Risen from the ashes, stronger and more resilient than before
  • Diamond? – Valuable, rare, multifaceted with many unique talents
  • Lioness? – Fierce, protective, loyal to those she cares about
  • Candle in the Darkness? – Brings hope and inspiration to all around her
  • Other?

My Choice

I chose my mother, who passed away a few years ago. She was incredibly grounded, always able to deal with crisis situations, a natural leader, a force for change, and a terrific role model of generosity, courage, learning, strength, and good humor to her grand and great grandchildren  Both of the metaphors below capture her uniqueness.

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“We are volcanoes. When we women offer our experience as our truth, as human truth, all the maps change. There are new mountains.” Ursula K. Le Guin, award winning science fiction writer.

Kudos to strong women everywhere who create positive change, not just for one day in one month, but for every day throughout the year.

Anne Miller

Make What You Say Pay! – with Metaphors

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Metaphors Make Presentations Memorable!