Framing is a very important skill in the corporate sector

Framing is a very important skill to have in your kitty. This skill becomes even more important if you are working in the corporate sector.

Being direct and blunt will not always work in your favour. It doesnt matter whether you are a superior or not, framing your words appropriately will make you sound more professional, diplomatic, and constructive.

This will be a great boost to your personal and professional brand.

Here are a couple of examples of how to frame your words constructively.

Direct - This is a terrible idea.

Corporate Reframe - I think we should explore some alternative approaches to ensure alignment with our goals.

Direct - You’re wrong.

Corporate Reframe - I see (or recall) it a bit differently.

Direct - This is taking too long.

Corporate Reframe - Let’s identify ways to streamline this process for efficiency.

Direct - I don’t have time for this.

Corporate Reframe - I’d be happy to help once I wrap up my current priorities.

Direct - That’s not my job.

Corporate Reframe - Let me check who the right point of contact would be for this.

Direct - This meeting is pointless.

Corporate Reframe - Could we clarify the objectives of this meeting to maximize productivity?

Direct - You didn’t do this right.

Corporate Reframe - Let’s review this together to ensure we meet the expected standards.

Direct - I don’t care what they think.

Corporate Reframe - While I understand their perspective, here’s why I recommend a different approach.

9. Direct - Just get it done.

Corporate Reframe - Let’s prioritize this and align on a realistic timeline.

10. Direct - This is a waste of money.

Corporate Reframe - Let’s evaluate the ROI on this to ensure it aligns with our budget priorities.

With the reframe, the message is passed in a subtle and more efficient manner, avoiding the possible psychological and emotional negative impact the direct approach would have had on the reciever.

It's not always about what was said, but about how it was said.

Yours in career progress,

Chimdinma Onwuegbu