#409 Frames. Outside forces

A simple frame can change how we lead. We take an everyday object and use it to ask sharper questions about focus, boundaries, and the choices that define our work. Instead of trying to hold the whole wall, we explore what it looks like to highlight the single image that matters—and how that clarity protects teams from noise, drift, and burnout.

We start by unpacking how frames shape perception: they decide what’s in, what’s out, and why. That becomes a practical guide for leaders who feel stretched thin. By narrowing scope, naming priorities, and excluding low-value tasks, we create visible edges that strengthen momentum. Listener Slate from Arizona adds a crisp insight: leaders bring clarity by narrowing focus to what matters most. We build on that idea with real-world tactics—blocking time for deep work, defining responsibilities so you don’t assume someone else’s load, and using concise language to “mat” your message for the people who need to see it.

There’s nuance in the metaphor. Not every season is a single portrait; sometimes the right frame is a collage. We talk about running multiple priorities without slipping into chaos by designing a coherent arrangement, batching related work, and making trade-offs explicit. We also address the emotional side: the world outside the frame can be loud, but steadiness comes from honoring your why and your what. When circumstances shift, reframing helps you keep the mission steady while adjusting the crop, tightening the border, or upgrading the structure to carry new weight.

If this sparked a shift in how you see your work, follow the show, share this episode with a friend who needs clarity, and leave a quick review telling us what you’re putting inside your frame next.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome and Today’s Theme
• 0:14 Frames as Leadership Metaphor
• 0:40 Listener Insight from Slate
• 1:01 Focus Within Boundaries
• 1:30 Purpose, Distraction, and Responsibility
• 2:30 Community Prompt and Closing

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:00

Welcome to the Growth Instigators Hotline. I am Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. This is Message 409. This week is all about frames. F-R-A-M-E-S. An everyday normal object that we can assign deeper meaning to, something that can grab our attention and represent something beyond. What are some leadership lessons we can glean from frames? It's been interesting pulling leadership lessons from the concept of frames. Frames shape how we see situations, problems, and people. Slate from Arizona left some thoughts and said this. Just like frames, leaders bring clarity by narrowing focus to what matters most. Yes, just like frames, leaders bring clarity by narrowing focus to what matters most. Isn't that so true? Frames don't care what's happening in the surrounding environment. Frames don't focus on the wall space outside of its perimeter. Frames only care about focusing clarity on what matters most, which is everything within its boundaries. The rest of the world could be falling apart. The frame stands strong and highlights its mission, which is to surround, protect, and highlight the art or the photo or whatever it is framing. Oh human, oh leader, the world needs you. Please don't pick apart this illustration. Every analogy breaks down at some point. I'm just asking this question. Regardless of all that's happening in the world around you, are you focused on your why and your what? And sure, you could be one of those collage frames with lots of little pictures within your boundaries if you would like. The question is still the same. Are you laser focused on highlighting and living out what you put your hands to? Or are you kind of scattered and easily distracted by things outside your control? Don't let outside forces focus, uh cause you to focus and be spread too thin. As my grandpa used to say, don't assume other people's responsibility. Period. Frames can remind us to bring clarity by narrowing focus to what matters most to us and to our leadership. That, my friends, is how a common everyday object can instigate growth. I'd like to hear some more of your observations about frames. What growth lessons can you apply to frames? For those of you calling the Growth Instigators Hotline, I'd love to hear your thoughts after the beep. For those of you listening in on podcast, visit growthinstigators.com and send me your thoughts. Let's never see frames the same.