Jul 2025 Reframing is a Powerful Leadership Tool for Setbacks and Staff Struggles
For many years, whenever something didn’t go well in my business, I’d get annoyed or frustrated. That all began to shift about 18 years ago when I studied NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and was introduced to a powerful tool called reframing. It changed the way I handled setbacks. Instead of getting stuck in frustration, I learned to view challenges through a different lens, a more constructive one.
Realism Still Matters
It’s important to point out that reframing doesn’t mean denying reality. I still acknowledge when something has gone wrong or underperformed. The key is being aware of the challenge while actively looking for insight and opportunity.
A Real Example
I was speaking with a client recently who shared that a nine week landscaping project had only returned a net profit of -1%.
“This recently completed job took a lot longer than expected and the net profit was only -1%. I am really disappointed, because we put so much effort into this 9 week project”, he said.
We reviewed the job and within 10 minutes, we had uncovered several positives that helped shift his mindset and reduced the pain of the financial result:
- He learned where his quoting system fell short. Comparing the quote versus actual numbers helped him identify the gaps. Going forward, he committed to spending more time on quoting and planning, an improvement that will help prevent further losses.
- Most areas of the scope of works were profitable. Only 3 areas were underestimated and makes it much easier to fix going forward.
- The complexity of the job gave his Team Leader valuable experience. It was his Team Leader’s first time managing a larger-scale project. The complexity of the job stretched him, but was an important learning experience.
- The completed garden was loved by his client. The garden owners were thrilled with the result, and my client knew, that by spring, it would make a fantastic marketing post – and a project he was proud of.
- A great lead had already come in from a neighbour. A neighbour in the same street had already contacted him.
By writing down and discussing the lessons and wins, the emotional load lifted. My client felt much better about this project and now had a clear plan for improving future jobs.
This is a Great Technique to Apply and Teach Your Team
If you want your team to grow and benefit from challenges or setbacks, teaching them the habit of reframing can be transformational. But it starts with you.
Begin by using this technique yourself. Start small: a rained-out job day, a lost sale, or even a bad round of golf on the weekend. So ask:
- What went well?
- What can I learn from this situation?
- How can I improve next time?
If You Consistently Use This, it Becomes Part of Your Approach.
Once it’s part of your mindset, use this technique in your conversations with your team. For example, let’s say you’ve got a team member who’s a great communicator but talks too much on site, affecting productivity. Instead of just pointing out the issue, reframe it like this:
“One of the things I really value about you Ken is how naturally you converse with people. It creates a positive energy on site, which not everyone can do. That said, the talking happens too often, and it interrupts the flow for everyone and slows productivity and concentration. I know how much you like the team, landscaping, and want to improve. So, I suggest you keep the conversations purposeful when working so you support the team and help the work maintain its flow.”
Running a business will always involve setbacks, mistakes, and surprises. The difference between those who grow and those who stay stuck is often how they respond. Mastering reframing allows you and your team to grow through every challenge. Use it, teach it, and watch your team and business evolve.
John Corban