Simple, low-impact, low threat exercises are effective starting points. Complex exercises where there is a high risk of failure need more time, more sensitivity and more discussion afterwards. Exercises in which everyone participates are also better to begin with. Finally, people sometimes feel embarrassed when they report to others what they did in a physical analogy. It helps to prepare participants for this by simply telling them it sometimes happens and that the best way of telling someone about it is to repeat the exercise with them.
Metaphors are personal constructs.
They also have tremendous power to convey ideas, create and generate new ideas and to guide change processes. Physical analogies are an active way of constructing a metaphor which can then be used to describe the complex ideas, thoughts, feelings and attitudes which often underlie tensions between people and in challenging events. Helping Groups to Work More Effectively . The Facilitator's Handbook . Eleanor Curtin Publishing.