It's Time to Experiment a Little... August 2024

Welcome to August, or shall I say, where did August go? It was a productive month for me, and hope the same for everyone else.

One of the most transformative techniques for leadership and personal growth is reframing. This is what we’ll be tapping into this month, and will be explored further in this blog.?

So, what is Reframing?

Reframing helps shift perspectives, unlock new ways of thinking, and empowers you and your team to approach challenges with renewed energy. Reframing is about changing the way you perceive a situation or problem. I call it an inner-negotiation tool. It doesn't alter reality but shifts how you interpret and respond to it. This can lead to new solutions, more positive emotions, and better overall outcomes. Coaches often use this technique to help clients question their assumptions, see opportunities instead of obstacles, and develop strategies for growth. This technique is closely linked to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is grounded in the idea that our thoughts significantly influence our emotions and behaviours (and I’ve found it can also work more powerfully in reverse, where feelings and intuition can help guide thoughts!).

Why use Reframing?

Reframing creates significant shifts in thinking and feeling and the corresponding way we behave. It helps break free from negative patterns that can trap you in fixed mindsets. For example, reframing a tricky relationship with a colleague opens up new ways of interacting and finding common ground. It also helps you shift from reacting to circumstances to responding with clarity and control, which can have a powerful ripple effect on your leadership and your team.

How does it help?

It helps you manage emotions by separating yourself from them and seeing them as temporary. ?To challenge beliefs by questioning assumptions and finding more empowering narratives. Reframing will shift your mindset from closed to open, creating space for growth and adaptation. And a personal favourite, to cultivate appreciation for what’s working well, fostering emotional agility and wellbeing.

A word of caution…

Reframing isn’t about toxic positivity. It’s not a tool for glossing over real problems or denying uncomfortable truths. You can’t use reframing in every single situation, nor as the first step or a reaction to everything that has gone ‘wrong’. There needs to be space to digest what is occurring (including patterns of behaviour), how that influences how people think and feel, and even embody a situation. Then look at a reframe, to identify what is helpful or not, and even appropriate for the situation.

Five Reframing techniques to try...

1. Separate yourself from emotions: Instead of “I am anxious” pause to separate yourself, “I am feeling anxious”. This subtle shift helps you see emotions as temporary and manageable.

2. Challenge beliefs: Ask yourself, “What is the assumption I’m making?” Dig deeper, by repeating the question for each answer, until you uncover the limiting belief. This allows you to replace it with a more empowering perspective.

3. Shift from obligation to opportunity: I’ve written about the powerful effect this has had on me in the past, by replacing “I have to” with “I get to.” This shift changes your mindset from feeling burdened to feeling empowered.

4. Focus on possibility: Use the “What if?” question to shift away from a fixed position of “what is”. This can help you move beyond fear or despair and build confidence and strength in different outcomes.

5. Reflect on what went well: Instead of vague gratitude, reflect on specific moments of “what went well for me today?”. This shift brings more positivity and appreciation into your life.

I'd love to offer you two further resources from others experts in this reframing arena...?

Listen - ABC Conversations Podcast:?Conversations Gold: The life of Anna Meares

Anna is an 11-time world cycling champion and the only Australian athlete to win medals at four consecutive Olympics.?Anna shares one of the best reframing techniques I mention above in this gripping podcast.?

Read - Susan David: I am feeling

A quick read from author and academic Susan David on the 'I am feeling' reframe. To help create space and reflection on how you feel to who you are.?

Experiment a little...?

The real power of reframing comes through practice. It’s easy to understand these reframes intellectually, but the key is applying them in everyday life. Of course, try one of the five techniques, and here are a few further steps to help you get started: ?

Be aware: Notice when you’re stuck in a negative thought loop or are overly identifying with an emotion. Awareness is the first step toward change. ?

Pause and reflect: Before reacting, pause and consider the reframing possibilities. What assumptions are you making? Is there a way to view this situation from a different angle? ?

Shift the language: Language shapes your perception. Practice using more empowering language to describe your emotions, beliefs, and perceptions. One of the critical components of coaching with me is to significantly broaden your vocabulary.

Journaling: Consider journaling (writing or drawing) your reframes. Write down limiting thoughts or beliefs, then reframe them using the techniques above. This practice can help solidify these new ways of thinking and create lasting change.

The final week to apply for the Emerging Leader scholarship!

The scholarship?includes 6 x 90 minute coaching sessions with me, to help the emerging leader to identify strengths, values, and competencies and how to apply these as a powerful leader now and into the future. I’ll work with one lucky recipient 1 on 1 over a 12-month period. If you’re keen to apply or nominate someone in your team, here are all the details: ?

Email me at [email protected] with the following:

- Nominee's name (or your name)?

- Email address?

- Title or role in the organisation?

- Why you believe coaching with me will help them (in just three sentences, no more!)

Submit by 5pm, Friday 30th August 2024.?The successful applicant will be contacted by Friday 6th Sept. And coaching will commence in October 2024.

Looking to improve leadership in your organisation?

My?Recalibrate online self-paced coaching program?is perfect for leaders looking to up their anti.?Recalibrate allows your team to tap into the tools I use with clients, but move at your their own pace. I have videos, creative exercises and reflection tools for the entire journey so leaders won’t feel alone. There is also a group coaching component if you're keen to put three or more people through the program and get more support from me.

By using these reframing techniques, you can shift your mindset, challenge limiting beliefs, and build a more resilient, appreciative outlook on life, especially at work (and with your team). Whether you're facing professional hurdles or personal struggles, reframing provides a powerful way to unlock new possibilities and foster emotional growth.?

Until next month,

Leigh