Ever tried explaining how our housing system works — zoning, development, finance, and so many other parts? What if, instead, we likened our community’s housing to a garden that flourishes when we cultivate all types of flowers and trees side-by-side so that they enrich the soil for everyone. Well-crafted metaphors are powerful shortcuts that help people understand complex structures like our healthcare system or our workforce development system well enough to contemplate the change we hope to inspire. Leaders who are skilled at deploying metaphors draw more people into discussion about their solutions.