Metaphor
The least, but very effective strategy, is the use of metaphor to
represent leadership. Metaphors might be understood as a simplifying
process. However, the simplification as intended through metaphors and
reduction of complexity are not the same. As presented earlier,
simplification in the sample business leadership texts is an attempt to
wrongly minimize or educe a complex practice. In metaphor, the attempt
is to use an analogy to expedite an understanding of a complex process
or practice.
As shown in following excerpt, the metaphor of nourishing others is
employed to represent the actions of leaders. According to the writer, a
major function of leadership is to offer emotional support which is
analogues with nourishing others.
Illustrative Excerpt 4
The recent news story of a Thai soccer team trapped in a cave highlights
a range of nourishing interactions. The team literally lacked food, and
yet they were nourished by their coach in the form of meditation and
emotional support. It proved to be a way to keep the young adolescent’s
calmer, which enabled them to explore possible escape routes in small
groups. Most of us are not literally facing life and death in our jobs,
but some do feel trapped. We all need conditions and experiences that
are nourishing. (Forbes, August 14, 2018)