Expanding Possibilities Through Metaphor: Breaking Biases to Improve Crisis Management

Abstract

In this article, we demonstrate that an exercise using metaphors to overcome cognitive biases helped students to proactively imagine and prepare for an expanded set of potential crises. The exercise complements traditional textbook approaches to crisis management and incorporates creativity skill building in a realistic context. Learning outcomes included an enhanced appreciation of detrimental effects of cognitive biases, improved skill in using metaphor to overcome these biases, an understanding of the benefits of proactive crisis management, and experience in formulating a crisis management plan. We describe the exercise, suggest debriefing questions, and discuss benefits to students.