A simple example of something that didn't work

Today, as I drove home from work, I was listening to an audiobook.  The book is good, it is called "decisive" and provides some modern, practical information on decision making.

In one segment, they are trying to make a point and throw in a quick comparison to Avian Bird Flu.  It's like a quick left jab, and gives your brain a jolt.  Similar to when a person uses your name if they see you start to drift off while they are talking to you.  (Mom's are particularly practiced in this technique, dad's slightly less so.)

The problem?  It's kinda like what I just did.  The "quick left jab" made it a boxing metaphor.  Nothing else I have talked about has anything to do with two men in shorts throwing punches at each other.  And I followed it up with Moms?  What mood am I setting for the listener?

I have a person example of this.  I was attempting to use a kinda like in my early years as a manager.  I was attempting to help a woman identify unfavorable behavior that was beginning to have a negative impact on her relationship with the client.  Basically, she was being a whiny b**** and not doing what the client was asking her to do.  I made a mistake of using an analogy about having dogs in an apartment complex that didn't allow pets.  It didn't go great.  She made the connection that I was calling her a dog, and that was it.  The entire discussion deteriorated and I had a sobbing woman in front of me that clearly felt she deserved an apology and to be permitted to do the work her way in compensation for her being treated so poorly.  Unfortunately, I wasn't the one dictating how the work needed to get done, so I couldn't alter the situation.  Additionally, I had not called her a dog, I had likened the effect of doing something unacceptable to keeping dogs in a pet free apartment complex.

ugh, right?

So, be slightly careful with the Kinda Likes.  Use them to help keep the interest of the audience and to help make the point.  But make sure the point is central to the discussion, and that the Kinda Like is wrapped into the point enough times that there is no question about what is real and why it is important.

good luck!
-gs