Option #2: Constructing Leadership Metaphors in Written Form The notion that leadership study requires self-assessment - "locating oneself"-- and introspection has been reinforced throughout this cour

Constructing Leadership Metaphors in Written Form

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Metaphors allow leaders to describe given objects in a way that aids make comparison and illustrate ideas. Metaphors can be used in leadership to describe the style of a reader. It is an innovative way to address a situation and yet still maintain one’s rank as a leader. While most leaders are ranked for the rank and position, only few of them are always willing to assume the responsibilities that come with the tittle. Many only want to be called leaders but are not ready behave and act like leaders. Leaders are believed to have the ability to solve all the problems that their followers could be facing. Hence, metaphors are critical for various reasons. For example, they provide room for interpretation (Ghosh, 2015). Different individuals tend to interpret metaphors in distinct ways. The visual images that metaphors depict are always unique to every individual’s imaginative world. Leaders can use metaphors present complicated ideas as simple ones. This makes it easier for ensure policy change and implement new ideas without the resistance of the public. Metaphors are universal hence can be used by everybody regardless of how they were brought up.

My first video is from a speech writer by the name Simon Lancaster. In this speech, Simon posits that metaphors create distinct moods and hence attract different responses. Simon adds that metaphors can be used by leaders to develop a certain feeling among their followers. They can therefore use that mood to ensure thing are done in a particular way (TED Talks, 2016) Leaders who use the dictatorial leadership style can use metaphors that instill fear hence get things the way they want. However, this strategy may not work in all situations. Metaphors are figurative and a follower could a derive a distinct meaning from the leader’s expectations based on what they imagine.

While leaders make use of metaphors to create mood, they must make sure that their intentions and ideas are communicated well to avoid any misunderstanding because of misinterpreting metaphors. Some leaders are always accurate even in the way they use metaphors. These leaders come out to be very competent.

The video “by the art of verbal war” explains how to create impactful metaphors. Since metaphors can change anything, one should use strong metaphors that can capture ones thinking and make them look for interpretation. While developing metaphors, leaders should focus on making the metaphors intriguing so that they can accomplish their purposes. Metaphors should be more detailed, clear and vivid so that it can pass its intended message in a clear way. There are two steps of making personal leadership metaphors (Art of Verbal War, 2017). The first step involves making the metaphor more vivid and detailed. The metaphor should be very clear so that it correctly passes the message that it was meant to pass. Vague and shallow metaphors cannot pass the message are intended. Metaphors are primarily used to attract people’s attention and make them think and find out what the leader intended to say. The last step is putting the metaphor into action. Instead of using static metaphors, a leader should consider a metaphor that can be rolled out into action.

The third video is “A leadership Metaphor?” by Graeme de Bruyn. In his video, Graeme de Bruyn says that all language is symbolically a metaphor. According to him, the metaphor illustrates the character of both the leader and the company. Followers regularly give metaphors to their leaders based on how they see them. Moreover, leaders cannot give metaphor to what they are not. Good leaders are creators of good metaphors. They are those leaders who patiently go through the refining process just to become good leaders (TEDx Talks.2015). Good leaders always say loud and clear their ideas even if they do not expect any support from their followers. They can also encourage their followers to work together to achieve their objectives. In Graeme’s opinion, the best thing that can make a leader proud is to have the art of command of a metaphor. This type of art is the only one that one cannot learn from someone else. This is because metaphors depend on the personality of the leader and not the leadership skills. Even though leadership skills may be alike, there are no leaders with exact same personalities. Before constructing a good metaphor, a leader must first understand the styles they use for leadership.

Different styles of leadership include democratic, dictatorial, autocratic and several others. When leaders are already familiar with their leadership styles, the next step is to analyze their personalities. It is important to realize that leadership styles and personality are two different aspects since the surrounding may be of great impacts on the styles of leadership. After this examination, the next thing is to create a metaphor. Great metaphors are distinguishing by features such as; the ability to depict the idea as an entirely different thing but maintaining the original proposed meaning. Great metaphors do not require more explanation because they already express the intended message without having to explain anything. Moreover, good metaphors contain elements of a surprise.

Personally, I world choose the metaphor of a Ferrari to represent the kind of leadership I portray. A leader should always stand out and be the topmost competitor in any targets set. In the same way, the Ferrari is known worldwide for its excellence in performance and how it is crafted. As a leader, I love excellence in all that I do or is done under my supervision. A Ferrari shows confidence and dominance during a race just like any leader should do. Leadership requires great skill and is not something that is gained overnight. I, therefore, strive to equip myself and build on my leadership skills. Just as a Ferrari stands out due to its bold red color, as a leader, I choose to stand out also from the crowd due to my leadership and the results arising thereof.

References

Ghosh, K. (2015). Benevolent leadership in not-for-profit organizations. Leadership & Organization Development Journal.

TEDx Talks. (2016, May 22). Speak like a leader | Simon Lancaster | TEDxVerona. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGBamfWasNQ

Art of Verbal War. (2017, Jan 1). HOW TO DEVELOP IMPACTFUL METAPHORS. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE2QYxogT_U

TEDx Talks. (2015, Apr 27). A leadership metaphor? | Graeme de Bruyn | TEDxWindhoek. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUI_vI_GE6U