Patterns & Metaphors
Juggling
Template:
The key to the art of juggling lies in alternating the movement of the hands in order to keep a whole set of objects moving through the air in a recurring pattern. Each hand must perform the role of catching and throwing in rapid succession to maintain the pattern.
Metaphor:
This suggests the need to alternate functions in rapid succession to be able to handle a variety of issues simultaneously with limited resources.
[Features] The distinction between mastery of the art and lack of it. Degrees of mastery as measured by the number and variety of objects maintained in the air.
[Contrast] The art of government, leadership or management is frequently defined in terms of 'juggling factors' suggesting that there is an intuitive understanding of the alternating actions required to maintain the integrity of the social order. The nature of the art has not been explored in these terms, especially with regard to the number and variety of phenomena handled in this way.
[Keys] Teamwork to enable an even larger number of objects to be maintained in the air at the same time. Problems of starting, stopping and introducing new objects into an established pattern.<
