Take a look at these 5 re-frames. You should see the differences not just the simple literary ones but the very different outcomes that each of them trigger.
1. Only 30% of people have responded/Already 30% of people have responded
Only 30% of people have responded [Struggle, disappointment, way to go, help!] vs. Already 30% of people have responded [Doing well! Join in, improve! Don’t miss the boat]. The 30% is the same in both.
2. Do you have any questions?/ What questions do you have?
Do you have any questions? [Maybe! Don’t know. Maybe not, look around] / What questions do you have? [There are questions, taken for granted] Never ask if they are if you want a dialogue.
3. You can have A or B/Which one do you want, A or B?
You can have A or B [ OK thanks, I’ll think about it] /Which one do you want, A or B? [I must choose]
4. Do you want to participate? / Tell me if you don’t want to participate
Do you want to participate? [Opt in please, make an effort] / Tell me if you don’t want to participate [Otherwise you are in] Opt out structures are very powerful.
5. This is a failure – No, it is not a failure! /This is a failure – I have a very different view
This is a failure – No, it is not a failure! [the word failure is repeated, it smells like failure] /This is a failure – I have a very different view [I don’t agree and I am not trapped here]
The formula is simple: Content x Intention x Frame = Outcome. Change the frame, change the outcome.
The formula is never Content = Outcome. Never.
Leaders should be trained in minimal re-framing techniques. I run Re-framing workshops occasionally, when I have time outside projects, or within the project itself. They are most rewarding.
Try to play with these five above. It won’t hurt you.
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