Introduction to metaphor
On the previous page, you’ll have seen an example of people learning to work together. Teamwork occurs in every day in families, workplaces, sports and community events. Consider how some of the most successful teams incorporate a variety of different skills, and how those differences add value to the whole.
We exist to help create positive learning environments and experiences to develop our human soft skills, and do this through use of a simple everyday metaphor, nature.
Nature helps us to see, describe and think about similarities and differences. Consider the many different types of trees, clouds and terrains that exist. Each one is different and unique. Lakes, oceans, waterfalls and rain are very different, but they are similar in that they belong to the water part of nature. Similarly human beings are all different, all unique, and also all a part of nature.
TetraMap’s model uses nature as a metaphor and finds it useful in describing similarities and differences between people.
“Metaphors aren’t true but they’re useful”
Seth Godin
Play with the model below and at the same time think about the different people in your teams or family. Who do you recognise?
Use this to help you see, understand, describe and appreciate different aspects of human nature.
Activity: Mouse over and click each of the triangles and see what they reveal about the scene.
Just as this describes the scene in nature so can it be used to describe the differences in people.
Earth is FIRM. For Earth Elements, being decisive and goal-focused is key. They like to achieve, have project resources and time they are bold and driven to win. Competitive, blunt and direct, Earth Elements need to be aware of being too demanding. Others may perceive them as hard to move.
Air is CLEAR. Air Elements need a good process. On-time and on budget, Air Elements love to plan and prepare. They add value through a quality first approach. Constant change may cause them to withdraw as they don’t like to waste time. Air Elements must consider that others need flexibility. Others may perceive them as rigid or pedantic.
Water is CALM. Inclusive, loyal and caring Water Elements hold teams and families together. Great reflectors, often good listeners, and patient they want to keep the team unified. Water Elements must learn conflict is not personal. Avoiding it can be a costly mistake. Others may perceive them as over sensitive.
Fire is BRIGHT. The eternal optimist, Fire burn brightly to maintain energy and humour. They love trying new things and rarely run out of ideas. Today’s routine will soon be replaced with tomorrow’s dreams. Fire Elements must be conscious that others can sometimes find it hard to keep pace!
With some practice, it can be easy to spot these things. The first step is to recognise yourself in one or more of the Elements. Then, give it a try with your friends and family. The descriptions we have given highlight our natural preferences but do not define exactly who we are. Remember: no-one is just one Element – indeed each of us has aspects of all the Elements.
