David Brady Helps

View Original

Thinking about frameworks.

I see a framework as a structure of support. 

  • A paradigm is a framework.

  • A system is a framework.

  • As is a relationship.

Like any structure, frameworks can change.

Kids misbehaving at a gathering?

The framework that a parent operates by might suggest a form of discipline (negative reinforcement) is appropriate. What about, "We were invited here because our friends felt we were the kinds of people that showed respect, care, and love to others. They talked about how much they enjoyed spending time with us and how much their kids loved you. What else did you come here to offer our friends?"  

Your kids might answer, "respect, fun, and friendliness." 

Then you could answer, "does running around their house, which caused this item to break represent the gift we wanted to give our friends?"

I'm not a parent, and I'm not offering parenting advice (I've learned not to do that from my sister, who is a parent). But, I am offering a way to adjust the framework of "discipline."

What other frameworks, or structures of support, exist in our lives?

  • How we do our work.

  • How we show up for others.

  • How we lead.

  • How we follow.

Adopting a posture of possibility means adjusting the frameworks that support how and what you do.  

If you're stuck in the slog we're in, and can't find a way out, rethink how you're thinking about it. Perhaps there's an opportunity in areas you never thought possible?  

At the end of the day, what's built can easily be changed.

You just need to have the guts to do it.