Framing: A Critical Leadership Skill

Although there are many aspects of our lives over which we have little or no control, the fact is that we ALWAYS get to choose how we experience any given situation. Framing means putting something in perspective so you and others can understand it quickly and accurately. It is an essential leadership skill because it enables you to change the way people perceive issues and situations, and importantly, where they seek solutions.

With all the legitimate, tough issues faced by public safety professionals who want to ensure the well-being of their communities, it would be easy to slip into a “victim” mentality. For example, they might dwell on the fact that budget cuts make it harder to do their jobs, or that people are upset about public safety pay and pensions, or that ill-advised decisions are putting the public in harm’s way, or that others are setting your agenda for you.

What if, instead of remaining mired in the toxicity of victimhood, they choose a healthy alternative? Two constructive outcomes could result:

1. They could have a positive influence on the outcome.
2. Even if the situation doesn’t change, they can experience it in a healthier, more productive way.

Framing skills allow for both of those outcomes. Here are seven suggestions for re-directing people’s attention in healthy, productive ways:

1.  Focus on what you CAN control vs. what you cannot.
2. Ask purposeful questions.
3. Develop a clear picture of the desired outcome.
4. Describe what you WANT vs. what you do not want.
5. Jettison the baggage.
6. Choose healthy options over victimhood.
7. Deconstruct success stories to learn how to replicate them.

To learn more about each of these approaches, I invite you to read my article From Problems to Possibilities: 7 Tips for Teaching Employees to Focus on Opportunities Rather than Challenges in the IAFC’s December 2013 On Scene magazine.

Then let me know which ones work for you!

© 2013 Pat Lynch. All rights reserved.