Are you stuck seeing a situation in only one way?

That question is at the heart of this week’s conversation, where we explore the powerful coaching skill of reframing, the gentle art of helping someone shift their perspective and unlock new possibilities.

In this episode, we dive into the essence of reframing, what it is, why it matters, and how it can bring transformation in coaching conversations, leadership, and everyday life. We reflect on how reframing isn’t about ignoring facts or bypassing emotion, but about opening up the lens to see a challenge from a more empowering viewpoint.

Zoe was reminded of the times when a simple reframe from Jo had disrupted her own thinking, like during a long car journey when she was convinced Jo couldn’t buy a house, and by the end, felt completely differently. Reframing can be that subtle nudge that opens up resourcefulness, choice, and ownership.

We explore five types of reframing:

Context Reframes; shifting the circumstances in which something is viewed
Content Reframes; changing the meaning assigned to an experience
Positive Intent Reframes; identifying the good intention behind behaviour
Systemic Reframes; zooming out to consider relationships and environments
Temporal Reframes; introducing time as a tool to gain distance and clarity

What I loved most about this episode was reflecting on how everyday reframes, whether in coaching, parenting, or leadership, are already part of our lives. And when we bring awareness, sensitivity, and timing to them, they can become incredibly effective tools for transformation.

Whether you’re a coach, manager, or simply someone curious about human behaviour, this episode will deepen your understanding of how reframing can cultivate emotional agility, confidence, and self-leadership.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to reframing and its purpose in coaching
01:25 – Getting stuck in thinking and how reframing unlocks options
04:12 – Real-life example of reframing during a conversation
06:32 – The emotional shift and reclaiming ownership through reframing
07:27 – What makes reframing different from asking questions
09:26 – Five types of reframes introduced
10:47 – When not to reframe: importance of timing and sensitivity
12:12 – Reframing self-judgement and guilt (e.g. being “too controlling”)
16:04 – The positive intent behind perfectionism
19:16 – Systemic reframes and reframing conflict within a team
22:08 – Time/temporal reframes and the value of future or past perspective
24:17 – Everyday leadership uses of reframing
25:15 – Deep presence and listening for meaning as a foundation for reframing

Key Lessons Learned:

Reframing is about shifting meaning, not denying reality
Timing is everything: don’t rush a reframe when emotions are raw
Coaches should stay unattached to whether a reframe “lands” or not
There are multiple types of reframes; context, content, positive intent, systemic, and time-based
Leaders can use reframing to support change, conflict, and morale in teams
Reframing helps people reconnect with strengths, possibilities, and self-compassion
Everyday reframes already exist in our language, we can choose to use them more consciously
“What if” questions are powerful reframe starters
Listening for assumptions and belief patterns helps shape relevant reframes
Coaching skills like reframing support flexibility, meaning-making, and resilience

Keywords:

Reframing in coaching, Emotional coaching, Confidence building, Coaching skills for leaders, Systemic reframing, Coaching mindset, Cognitive flexibility, Positive intent, Coaching techniques, Meaning-making in coaching,

Links & Resources

https://mycoachingcourse.com – Quiz: Which coaching course is right for me?

· Coaching Summit 2025: https://igcompany.co.uk/summit25

5 Types of Reframing in Coaching Conversations