I often have to challenge myself on this especially when I get frustrated or disappointed. What do I think should be happening that’s not?

Your frame of reference is the set of criteria you use to evaluate and make judgements. It’s your starting point. It’s the lens through which you see things and approach things. And, it influences your expectations.

When I left my last corporate position, I had to revisit my frame of reference for work. I had to rethink and reset my goals and what productivity and success looked like for me as an entrepreneur, not as an employee. And then, I had to actively manage my expectations based that new frame of reference.  When I do that, I can see my purpose and I see progress, When I don’t, I see failure and feel frustrated. Which one do you think helps me move forward?

How could your frame of reference be affecting you?

1. You have a new leader. You know you need to re-establish yourself, right?  If your frame of reference is that your work speaks for itself and it’s your leader’s job to get up to speed, then good luck with that thinking. YOU have to do the work. YOU have to highlight your work and YOU have to establish a working relationship with your new leader. So be proactive!
2. You work in or with a team. You know every team needs a tune-up from time to time, right? If your frame of reference is that your team has worked together for a long time and you’re good. Think again. Teams are as dynamic as your business is. Check-in and test it. You may be operating at a 7 when you could be operating at a 10. Don’t assume!
3. You have conflict and stress. You know you can come to a resolution, right? If your frame of reference is that “they” have to come around to your way of thinking, that’s probably why you still have the conflict. Walls are barriers. Bridges are connectors. If you believe the situation can be worked out or worked through, you’ll be more open and creative in working towards a resolution. Be a facilitator!
4. You say want a more inclusive workplace. You know this is possible, right? If your frame of reference is diversity and inclusion is only an initiative and not a game changer for your business, you’ll bring in programs, but you won’t see real transformation, which in my opinion, is why we’re still talking about Diversity ad Inclusion. Transformation requires real commitment. Be a transformer!
5. You want more or something different in your life. You know you can make different choices, right? If your frame of reference is certainty over uncertainty, or insecurity over confidence, more can only become a reality when you take a chance and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Remember, you’ve done it before, or you wouldn’t be where you are now. So, go for what you want!

Be aware of and pay attention to your frame of reference. It’s your starting point, but it doesn’t have to be your end point. Leaders are learners. As we grow, our frame of reference needs to grow as well.