A “frame” can be defined as “the foundation from which everything else evolves.”
Thus, when you set a frame of collaboration, win/win, and prosperity, you are already 90% of the way to the desired result.
You do this by what you say, by how you say it, and simply by how you show up — with a positive and uplifting energy about you.
The opposite is also true, however, so frame *very* consciously.
Key Point: In every interpersonal interaction, a frame *will* be set. The only question is, “Who is going to set that frame?”
If *you* don’t consciously set it, the other person will (most likely unconsciously)…and not necessarily in a positive way.
Good News: Even if the other person has come to the table with a negative frame, you — by “responding” instead of “reacting” — can re-set that negative frame into a positive one.
Yes, that is absolutely within your control.
Exercise: Think of a time you allowed yourself to “get sucked in” to someone else’s negative frame. How might you — in retrospect — have handled it differently? Practice and rehearse for the next time a similar situation comes up so that you’ll be ready to “re-frame” it into one that is mutually beneficial.
