This question was at the heart of an exclusive leadership training held by Imaguru in Warsaw, led by Olga Lavrentieva — HR professional, Ericksonian coach, and tech industry leader with over 14 years of experience. Designed specifically to empower women leaders, the session blended psychology, coaching, and practical strategies for leading with authenticity and confidence.
🌀 The power of metaphor in leadership
As Aristotle once said: “Metaphor consists in giving the thing a name that belongs to something else.
Psychologist Carl Jung took this further, viewing metaphors as:
- links to the unconscious, which uncover deep, irrational aspects of the psyche.
- archetypal in nature, connecting us to universal symbols, found in myths, dreams and religion.
- tools for individuation, illustrating the journey to the self, often through alchemical imagery.
In the context of leadership, metaphor becomes a framework for transformation. It can:
✅ Activate intuitive insight and emotional intelligence ✅ Connect leaders to timeless archetypes that inspire and empower ✅ Simplify complex inner dynamics into clear, actionable understanding ✅ Serve as a symbolic roadmap for authentic, values-driven leadership
🔍 Discover your leadership metaphor:
Step 1: Reflect on leadership
- What does leadership mean to you?How do you understand it?
- What form does it take now?
- What is missing in your leadership? What can be strengthened?
Step 2: Visualization
Imagine living for a day as a symbolic form: a natural phenomenon, a force of nature, an animal, a bird.
- What would you choose?
- Picture this image in the finest detail.
- Reflect on what is the most significant aspect of this image to you? Why exactly this one? How does it relate to your leadership?
Step 3: Connection with your business
- How can this metaphor advance your work or field?
- How do you act? What becomes possible when you act this way?
- How can this metaphor manifest in your daily leadership practice?
Action step: Within the next 24 hours, take one small but intentional action aligned with your leadership metaphor. It could be a decision, a conversation, or a mindset shift.
✨Your leadership metaphor isn’t just a symbol—it’s a strategy.
Have you ever used metaphor in your personal or professional growth journey? What’s your leadership symbol?