Parables were once used as a common way to communicate a lesson of morals or behaviors, but in the modern age, we don't see it used much anymore. Using parables can capture the attention of an audience, so it is worth trying it out in a group team meeting or public speaking, especially it being so uncommonly used, that you will most likely get great feedback from the people if utilized.
Sometimes the right moment comes forth and a parable can be the best answer that is delivered. I had an example of this used one time in a team meeting. An associate was going on and on about how customers X were not good customers and that we should go try find a new set of customers elsewhere. After rounds of what I would call misguided expressions of frustration by the individual regarding a certain customer base, I decided to employ the parable of the Travelers.
The story: A traveler was walking down a road in the countryside when he spotted an old farmer tending to his field near the road. The traveler decided to walk over to the farmer and ask him a question. "Mister, may I ask you about people in the town down this road?" The farmer replied, "What were people like in the town that you came from?"
"Oh, people there are bad people. They lie, cheat, steal and are of no good character," answered the traveler. "Well, unfortunately, that is the people you will find over at the next town down the road", said the farmer. The traveler looked perplexed and resumed the journey down the road.
Sometime later another traveler was walking down the same road and spotted the farmer. Doing the same, the traveler went up to the farmer, who was tending his field and ask him how people were like in the town down the road. The farmer asked him the same question, "How were people like in the town that you came from?"
The traveler responded, "People were great. Nice, honest and would help anyone. A great community with great caring people." The farmer then answered the traveler's question, "That is the kind of people you will find in the next town down the road." The traveler smiled and went off down the road to the next town.
This parable teaches that your outlook and perspective of people, place or situation actually is determined by your own personal perception. What you expect is what you will get. The farmer was teaching that to the travelers that whatever you think, is what you will see.
When I was telling this parable to the group, it was all silence from for a few minutes after the end of the parable, and although I don't know if telling this parable radically changed the associate's own perspective, but I did notice a change of attitude towards more positive angle after that meeting. Sparingly I have used parables to communicate a message, but when I do use them from time to time, people listen. Find a few that have some great wisdom to share and share it to others, it will deliver a positive impact.
