Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

278 LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
their metaphors, just like they do with their name. We know communication
can be enhanced when we use a person’s name. The
same is true for metaphors because they are your windows into how
people perceive their world. 9
Metaphorical communication is ambiguous and open to interpretation.
Because people crave stability and want to avoid imbalance,
they will listen closer, think harder, and become more experientially
involved. 10
REMEMBER
“A single word can possess multiple meanings, yet as the common
saying goes, one picture can be worth a thousand words. And if one
picture can be worth a thousand words, then one experience can be
worth a thousand pictures, and then one metaphor can be worth a
thousand experiences.
“But in the end, a metaphor only possesses value when:
• It is able to interpret the experiences . . .
• In a manner that provides the picture . . .
• That produces words . . .
• That have meaning . . .
• For that particular person.” 11
Luckner and Nadler’s Processing the Experience presents a
guide for using metaphorical language, metaphor-making questions,
and metaphor themes that leaders can use to enhance their communication.
The themes for creating metaphors include:
Journey theme—“Our train is just leaving the station and we are
not sure what the next stop will be with this product.”
Systems theme—“You won’t be able to race at the same unbearable
speed without taking time to change your oil or the spark plugs.
What will help you recharge?”
Healing theme—“This loss of our key employee is a big wound
for us. It will take time to close up and develop new skin and move
forward as we have.”