As we’ve previously discussed, a frame can be defined as “the foundation from which everything else evolves.”
One of the biggest advantages of setting a proper frame with regard to our interactions with others is that it will keep *unnecessary* conflicts from ever actually forming.
Of course, at times conflict is indeed necessary, and in those cases it must be dealt with properly and appropriately — hopefully in a way that everyone is able to benefit and come away better off for the correct way it is handled.
Still…
Key Point: To the degree we can keep unnecessary conflict from manifesting in the first place, that’s the degree to which we increase our interpersonal effectiveness.
We do that through consciously setting a frame of kindness and collaboration.
Exercise: Think back to a time when you were involved in a situation that turned into a conflict, perhaps unnecessarily so.
If you had the opportunity to do it over again, what would you do differently? How would you set the frame in a way most likely to benefit all involved?
The next time a similar situation occurs, you’ll now know what to do.
You’ve got this!
