Good metaphors are “generative.”13 The psychologist Donald Schon introduced this term to describe metaphors that generate “new perceptions, explanations, and inventions.” Many simple sticky ideas are actually generative metaphors in disguise. For example, Disney calls its employees “cast members.”14 This metaphor of employees as cast members in a theatrical production is communicated consistently throughout the organization: Cast members don’t interview for a job, they audition for a role. When they are walking around the park, they are onstage. People visiting Disney are guests, not
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