Metaphorical Problem Solving

Even the most innovative researchers get stuck. We all have days where it is hard to focus, get creative, or solve a problem. Metaphorical problem solving can be a useful technique to help unstick you in these situations.

If you are like me, then you have found that if you focus on a problem too much, all you can see is that problem, and it becomes an insurmountable barrier to whatever you are trying to do. Metaphors can allow us to see the problem from a different perspective and prompt us to consider unique solutions to that problem.

How does it work?
To get started, consider all of the aspects of your challenge and try to find a fitting metaphor. For example, a common challenge that researchers sometimes deal with is receiving ambiguous or confusing comments on a grant proposal that has been rejected. Based on this, we define the following problem and corresponding metaphor:

Problem: You don't understand the comments from your grant reviewers.
Metaphor: Flying blind

Now, forget about the actual problem and focus on the metaphor. Think of all of the solutions you can to the metaphor of flying blind. Below is my list:

• Find a co-pilot who can see.
• Use my instruments to tell me where to go.
• Call back to the airport, so someone can describe where I am / where I am going.
• Take off my blindfold.

Now that we have created a list of solutions, consider if and how these might be translated back to the original problem:

Metaphorical Solution	Translation
Find a co-pilot who can see.	Ask a colleague to look at the comments to get their interpretation.
Use my instruments to tell me where to go.	Go back through your grant to re-orient yourself and see if it offers you more clarity on the comments.
Call back to the airport.	Reach out to the Program Officer to get their take on the review.
Take off my blindfold.	Oftentimes, researchers are understandably frustrated when their grant is rejected. Take a few days to feel disappointed and when you are able to take off your blind-fold of frustration, take another look.

This example may be a little simplistic, but the more you experiment with metaphorical problem-solving, the better you'll get at it, and the more useful it will be.

Bonus:
Aside from using metaphors as a problem-solving tool, they also serve as a great communication tool. If you get good at converting complex ideas into metaphors, you will likely find that you have an easier time explaining your research to colleagues, funders, and the layperson and they may be more engaged in the conversation!

More on Metaphorical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
Thinking Metaphorically: How to Look at Things a Different Way - Michael Michalko
Metaphorical Thinking: Using Comparisons to Express Ideas and Solve Problems - Mind Tools
Collaborative Leadership in Action: Metaphorical Problem Solving (p.89) - Patrick Sanaghan and Paulette Gabriel