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Framing
Leadership / Concepts · Updated Apr 2026
How you present information shapes how people respond to it.
The Idea
The same fact can lead to different decisions depending on how it's framed.
- "We're 80% done" vs "We still have 20% left."
- "3 out of 10 projects failed" vs "7 out of 10 projects succeeded."
- "We need to cut costs" vs "We need to invest more efficiently."
Why Leaders Must Understand Framing
- You set the tone for how problems are perceived.
- Framing is not manipulation - it's choosing which angle helps people act.
- Bad framing creates panic or apathy. Good framing creates focus.
Practical Tips
- Frame problems as challenges to solve, not threats to fear.
- When presenting trade-offs, show both sides honestly.
- Use framing to direct attention to what people can control.
- Be aware when others frame things to you - ask "what's the other way to look at this?"
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