Metaphors for Training Trainers
Metaphors are cognitive shortcuts. The brain perceives images, and when concepts are challenging to grasp, the introduction of an appropriate metaphor can significantly alleviate mental fatigue. Metaphors and analogies are frequently used in training to make comparisons between the familiar and the unfamiliar. I like to use the analogy of learning to drive a car. First, you must pass your theory test, and then you can start your driving lessons. Novices don't know what they don't know, and the only way to truly experience something is by experiencing it firsthand. Mistakes are made: grinding gears, too much traffic is disturbing, getting into the lane, keeping up with traffic - there's a lot to learn. However, we progress through trial and error, which is true of developing all new skills, whether you're a silversmith, a data scientist, or a trainee doctor. You must develop the skill step by step. I like the driving metaphor with adult learners because everybody understands I'm comparing the familiar with the difficulties that lie ahead in the new skill. Patience, determination and a great attitude are required, and when the skill is mastered, everybody is elated by the outcome.
Language progresses and is enriched by the use of metaphor. Sports commentaries would be dull without them.
This is one of the critical training skills you'll develop on our 2-day Training the Trainer courses in London's King's Cross.
1. For Mindset, Change, and Perspective
Metaphor usage helps learners overcome resistance and see things in a new light.
The Iceberg: “We only see 10% of an iceberg above the water. The other 90% is hidden beneath the surface. “This is ideal for discussing culture (visible behaviours vs. underlying beliefs), performance (public success vs. private struggle/practice), or conflict (the stated problem vs. the root cause).
The Coffee Cup: “You can’t pour new, hot coffee into a cup that is already full of old, cold coffee. You must first empty the cup. “This is brilliant for teaching mindset and receptiveness to learning. It encourages learners to let go of preconceptions, old habits, and the 'I already know this' attitude, and make room for new ideas.
The Map is Not the Territory: A map is a representation, but it isn’t the actual landscape itself. This teaches that models, theories, and plans are simplifications of real-world issues. It encourages flexibility, critical thinking, and adaptation when real-world situations don’t match the ideal plan.
Shift the Camera Lens: “Let’s zoom out and look at the bigger strategic picture... Now, let’s zoom in on the specific details of this process.” This metaphor helps learners consciously change their perspective from strategic to tactical, from long-term to short-term, or from personal to team-focused.
The butterfly metaphor. A staged progression.
2. For Skill Development and Performance
These metaphors make abstract concepts, such as practice and growth, more tangible and relatable.
The Gym & Muscle Memory: “Learning a new skill is like building a muscle. You can’t get strong by watching someone else lift weights. You must do the reps yourself, and it will be uncomfortable at first.” This justifies the need for practice, repetition, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It normalises the struggle of learning.
The Swiss Army Knife vs The Surgeon's Scalpel: “We’re going to add several new tools to your Swiss Army Knife—a broad set of skills for general use. But for this specific complex problem, we need to learn how to use the precise Surgeon’s Scalpel.” This differentiates between broad competency and deep, specialised expertise.
Driving a Car (Where are your eyes?): “When you drive, you look at the road ahead, not fixated on the rearview mirror. You glance at the mirrors for awareness, but your focus is on where you’re going.” This is powerful for teaching forward thinking, learning from the past without dwelling on it, and maintaining strategic focus.
3. For Teamwork, Leadership, and Systems
These help explain how we must function within a larger group or process.
The Orchestra: “A team is like an orchestra. Every musician is a master of their own instrument (their individual role), but without a conductor (the leader) and a shared score (the goal/plan), it’s just noise. The magic happens when everyone plays their part in harmony.” This illustrates coordination, leadership, and unique contributions.
The Wheel: “Getting a new initiative or change started is like pushing a massive, stationary wheel. It takes enormous effort for even the slightest, almost imperceptible movement. But with persistent pushing in a consistent direction, it builds momentum until it spins under its own power.” This is essential for teaching persistence, compound effort, and breakthrough momentum in change management.
The Rowing Boat: (Looking Backwards vs. Forwards): “Some people in a rowing boat are facing backwards (they are focused on the past, on obstacles, on what’s gone wrong). Others are facing forward (they are focused on the destination, on opportunities, on what’s ahead). A good team must navigate effectively. “This validates different perspectives while emphasising the need for a shared direction.”
How to Use Metaphors Effectively: Tips for a Trainee Trainer
1. Know Your Audience: A metaphor about sailing will land with a nautical team but confuse a group of software engineers. Use metaphors from their world.
- Don’t Force It: The metaphor should serve the learning point, not the other way around. If the connection is weak, it will create confusion instead of clarity.
- Let Them Discover: Instead of explaining the whole metaphor, you can set it up and ask, “How is [this concept] like [this metaphor]?” This engages the learners and makes the connection more powerful for them.
- Keep it Simple: The most powerful metaphors are based on universal experiences, such as driving, sports, nature, and building things.
- Avoid Mixed Metaphors: Don’t say “We need to get all our ducks in a row to push the wheel up the hill.” It’ll sound silly and confuse everyone. Stay with one clear image.
- The ultimate goal of a metaphor is to create an ‘Aha!’ moment—that instant where the learner’s face lights up because they have grasped a complex concept. Mastering this tool will dramatically increase your impact as a trainer. Good luck.
Invitation to become a trainer
The metaphors above are just a handful of those discussed on our 2-day Training the Trainer courses in London's King's Cross.
If you have ever considered becoming a trainer, I highly recommend conducting some research. It's a wonderful industry with enormous personal rewards, but with that comes the risks and responsibilities. When you have a great attitude and direct that energy towards lifelong learning, you'll be well-positioned to excel in this discipline. If you're looking for more information and a thorough grounding as a trainer, select the link above and speak with my colleague, Rachel, who will share the background details with you.
