"The metaphor is probably the most fertile power possessed by men [and women]."
- Ortega y Gassett
Metaphor: to consider one thing in the terms of another.
2008 Series metaphor: Igniting sparks!
This year we are thinking of diversity tensions in terms of sparks. What do you think of when you envision a spark? How is diversity like a spark?
Consider the following definitions of the word spark: something that sets off a sudden force (i.e. provided the spark that helped the teams to rally), or a latent particle capable of growth or developing.
How might diversity tensions set off creative forces in your organization? What might be latent diversity opportunities?
Tensions are not necessarily negative, and whether resulting from misunderstandings or conflict about goals or values, can be positive — the source of new ideas and opportunities.
Regardless, tensions are present in our organizations, especially some of the tensions we are dealing with in 2008: Civil Rights and Affirmative Action, immigration, politics, race, religion and globalization. What if we can find sparks of opportunity and innovation in our diversity tensions?
