Work with the Difficulty

Cognitive reframing is a great Power or Soft Skill that helps individuals challenge and change negative thought patterns and beliefs. It involves looking at a situation from a different perspective or "frame" to alter its meaning and emotional impact. The endpoint is that you can learn to remind yourself that your initial conclusion is only one possible explanation.

Reframing in a leadership role requires interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and a commitment to fostering a positive and adaptive organizational culture. By embracing reframing techniques, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and lead their teams toward greater success. Surprisingly, in our experience in speaking with many senior executives, it remains underused as a leadership tool. Why?

The challenges of cognitive reframing include resistance to change, complexity in grasping the concept, potential oversimplification of positive thinking, unsuitability for certain conditions, time-consuming nature, lack of external validation, and the risk of self-blame. Put differently, reframing might be perceived as disconnected from the business world's practical aspects and could be more effectively applied as a mental health strategy.

The legendary British actor, Sir Michael Caine, shares a perfect description of cognitive reframing from his early acting days, " if you can use that difficulty a 1/4 of 1% to your advantage, then you are ahead, you didn't let it get you down." See YouTube for the full interview: Sir Michel Caine, Use The Difficulty

Another instance involves a high school principal who, while bending down to pick up something from the ground as the school buses departed at the end of the day, accidentally split his pants right down the crotch. The following morning, he addressed the entire school over the loudspeaker, humorously declaring that it would be the first and last time he unintentionally exposed himself to the entire school. While this example may not fit the traditional mold of a "great leader," it does illustrate how individuals can use humor and humility to navigate embarrassing or difficult situations. This high school principal demonstrated quick thinking and self-deprecation in addressing an awkward moment, thereby diffusing tension and earning respect and admiration from students and staff alike. By the way, this principal was Alan Chase, my Dad.

In these two cases, Michael Caine falling over the chair and the principal spitting his trousers shows that leadership isn't always about grand gestures or monumental achievements; sometimes, the ability to handle everyday challenges with grace and humor endears individuals to those they lead. This serves as a reminder that effective leadership often involves being relatable, approachable, and able to turn adversity into an opportunity for connection.