Unlock Leadership Influence: Simple Framing for Powerful Impact

Framing is one of the most powerful leadership tools at your disposal. Whether you're working to align stakeholders, overcome resistance, or navigate uncertainty, how you frame the situation determines the level of engagement, buy-in, and action you inspire.

By using a simple sentence-stem approach, you can quickly build a clear, concise framing statement for any leadership challenge. Here’s how it works:

5 Steps to a Concise Framing Statement

1. Identify the Desired Outcome

Our goal is to achieve [desired outcome] by [timeframe or milestone].
Start by clarifying exactly what you want to achieve and when.

• Example: "Our goal is to achieve a smooth software adoption by the end of the quarter."

2. Understand the Context and Stakeholders

Given that [stakeholders] are [concern, need, or dynamic], we need to consider [key factor].
Understanding the environment and people involved allows you to adapt your message.

• Example: "Given that the team is concerned about the learning curve, we need to consider how to make the transition easier."

3. Make Evidence-Based Assumptions

Based on [evidence or data], we assume that [key assumption] is true.
Ground your assumptions in facts or evidence to strengthen your framing.

• Example: "Based on feedback from other teams, we assume that productivity will increase by 30% within three months."

4. Understand Your Leverage: Power and Natural Consequences

If we [action], the natural consequence will be [positive outcome]. If we don’t, [negative consequence] may occur.
Recognise the natural outcomes of actions or inactions to create leverage, especially when you lack formal authority.

• Example: "If we start the training now, the team will adapt more quickly. If we delay, the workload and stress will increase."

5. Be Open to Collaboration and Reframing

I’m open to hearing your thoughts and adjusting the plan if necessary, so we can move forward together.
Invite collaboration and flexibility to build ownership and adjust as new information arises.

• Example: "I’m open to hearing your thoughts and adjusting the plan to ensure everyone is on board."

Full Example Framing Statement:

By using these sentence stems, here’s how a complete framing statement might come together:

"Our goal is to achieve a smooth software adoption by the end of the quarter. Given that the team is concerned about the learning curve, we need to consider how to make the transition easier. Based on feedback from other teams, we assume that productivity will increase by 30% within three months. If we start the training now, the team will adapt more quickly. I’m open to hearing your thoughts and adjusting the plan to ensure everyone is on board."

Using this approach, you can create framing statements that are clear, concise, and tailored to your leadership challenges. Ready to try it? Start by identifying the outcome you want to achieve and work through the sentence stems to guide your thinking.