THE IMPORTANCE OF (RE)FRAMING CONVERSATIONS IN LEADERSHIP

Abstract The author, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, adapted his article from his recent book Habits of a Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Change Our Potentially Toxic Conversations into Healthy Dialogues . He notes that one particular habit “can be especially helpful for organizational leaders seeking to solve any number of problems. It is useful when talking about divisive policy issues, but it is just as important when talking about any of the challenges organizations face on a daily basis. It is the habit of framing and reframing conversations.” He notes that “whenever two or more people are discussing a given issue, how the topic is framed is perhaps the most important step in the process.” He first uses the example of a legal dispute, but notes how in a court of law, “strict rules force a certain level of emotional control and civility in the courtroom.” Moving to a workplace setting, he contends that “as a leader, the next time you are beginning a conversation or leading a dialogue about any topic, think first about how you want to frame it. In large measure, that will determine where the conversation goes and how productive it will be.”