How do you blend original ideas with established frameworks?

1 Why blend original ideas with established frameworks?

Original ideas are the fuel of innovation and differentiation. They help you stand out from the crowd, solve problems in new ways, and challenge the status quo. However, original ideas are not enough to succeed as a thought leader. You also need to communicate your ideas effectively, connect them to relevant contexts, and validate them with evidence and feedback. That's where established frameworks come in handy. Established frameworks are models, theories, principles, or methods that have been proven to work in certain situations or domains. They provide you with a common language, a logical structure, and a reliable foundation to build your original ideas on.

2 How to generate original ideas using established frameworks?

One way to generate original ideas using established frameworks is to adapt them to different scenarios, perspectives, or goals. For example, you can ask yourself how a framework that works well in one domain could be applied to another domain, or how a framework that addresses one problem could be used to solve another problem. You can also combine elements from different frameworks to create a new hybrid framework, or modify some aspects of a framework to make it more suitable for your specific needs or preferences. The key is to use established frameworks as sources of inspiration and exploration, not as rigid rules or constraints.

3 How to test original ideas using established frameworks?

Another way to blend original ideas with established frameworks is to test them against them. Testing your original ideas using established frameworks can help you assess their validity, feasibility, and usefulness. For example, you can use a framework to define the criteria, assumptions, and metrics that you will use to evaluate your idea, or to identify the potential risks, challenges, and opportunities that your idea might encounter. You can also use a framework to compare and contrast your idea with other existing or alternative ideas, or to solicit feedback and input from others who are familiar with the framework. The key is to use established frameworks as tools for analysis and improvement, not as barriers or limitations.

4 How to communicate original ideas using established frameworks?

A third way to blend original ideas with established frameworks is to communicate them using them. Communicating your original ideas using established frameworks can help you increase their clarity, credibility, and relevance. For example, you can use a framework to structure your presentation, report, or article, or to highlight the main points, arguments, or implications of your idea. You can also use a framework to relate your idea to the existing knowledge, practices, or trends in your domain, or to show how your idea adds value or solves a problem. The key is to use established frameworks as vehicles for expression and connection, not as substitutes or distractions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?