Why That Worked – Episode #1: Frameworks—The Invisible Structure Behind Every Great Idea

Presented by StoryBrand.ai

In the inaugural episode of "Why That Worked", hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed delve into the pivotal role that frameworks play in the success of brands, trends, and products. The discussion is both insightful and practical, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what frameworks are, why they are essential, and how to create and implement them effectively in various aspects of life and business.

1. The Genesis of the Podcast

Donald Miller and Kyle Reed initiate the conversation by explaining their motivation for launching the podcast. They recognized that their frequent discussions about the underlying reasons behind successful ventures held significant value not just for them but also for a wider audience. This realization sparked the idea to create a platform where they could systematically explore and dissect the strategies that lead to massive successes.

2. Defining Frameworks

A central theme of the episode is the definition and significance of frameworks. Kyle Reed offers a clear definition:

Kyle Reed [03:58]: "I would define frameworks as rules and boundaries... they are processes that you would take to streamline activity."

Donald Miller complements this by likening frameworks to mental maps or idea maps that guide individuals from their current state to desired goals, providing clarity and structure.

3. Personal Journeys with Frameworks

Both hosts share personal anecdotes illustrating how frameworks have been integral to their personal and professional lives.

• Kyle Reed’s Evolution: Kyle recounts his transition from a memoir writer to a framework creator. Initially unaware of the concept, he realized that the structured approaches he adapted from consulting at Accenture—a project management framework—paved the way for his success in marketing. This epiphany led to the creation of the StoryBrand Framework, which has since been foundational to his work.

  Kyle Reed [07:54]: "I went from using frameworks, discovering frameworks, being indoctrinated in frameworks, using them to write better, and then ultimately creating one."

• Donald Miller’s Awareness: Donald reflects on his interaction with a friend who struggled with executive coaching due to the absence of a structured framework, highlighting the transformative power of having a clear process.

  Donald Miller [10:10]: "I just said, what's your framework like? You have no... I can't define what you're doing."

4. The Ubiquity and Importance of Frameworks

The hosts emphasize that frameworks are omnipresent, subtly guiding various aspects of daily life without our conscious awareness.

Kyle Reed [11:07]: "You’re looking for... steps to creating a great Instagram post."

Examples cited include:

• Fitness Regimens: Kyle details his personalized workout framework for 2025, incorporating resistance workouts (R1, R2, R3), cardio (C), and hotel workouts (H), emphasizing the importance of consistency and structure.

  Kyle Reed [03:36]: "If you can turn whatever you're doing into a framework, you can help a lot more people because they can get their mind around it so much easier."

• Educational Models: Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and SWOT analysis are highlighted as universal frameworks that facilitate understanding and strategic planning.

• Business and Marketing: The StoryBrand Framework and Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle are discussed as pivotal tools that have propelled businesses and individuals into thought leadership by simplifying complex ideas into actionable processes.

5. Creating Effective Frameworks

Donald and Kyle outline actionable steps for listeners to develop their own frameworks:

1. Turn Ideas into Rules: Establish clear rules and guidelines that form the backbone of your framework. For instance, Kyle describes his workout regimen as a series of rules that dictate daily activities without the need for constant decision-making.

   Kyle Reed [16:03]: "The first rule would be turn it into rules."

2. Incorporate Best Practices: Ensure that each rule aligns with proven best practices to enhance the effectiveness of the framework. This approach not only streamlines processes but also maximizes outcomes.

   Kyle Reed [16:14]: "So step one, create a lead generator. Step two, qualify those leads."

3. Visual Representation: Use visuals to make the framework more comprehensible and memorable. Whether it’s a grid, an airplane analogy, or a seven-part grid from the StoryBrand Framework, visuals aid in the clear communication of structured ideas.

   Kyle Reed [16:55]: "Find a visual that you can walk people through... I created a seven-part grid that slowly comes to life."

6. The Cognitive Benefits of Frameworks

A fascinating aspect discussed is how frameworks save mental energy by providing predetermined paths to follow, thereby reducing the cognitive load. Kyle explains that the human brain is wired to conserve cognitive resources, making frameworks attractive as they offer "cheat codes" to streamline decision-making processes.

Kyle Reed [11:39]: "The brain burns between 6 and 800 calories a day... it's always trying not to burn those calories."

7. Frameworks as Tools for Thought Leadership

The episode underscores that frameworks are instrumental in establishing oneself as a thought leader. By systematizing ideas into structured processes, individuals can more effectively teach, scale, and share their knowledge. This not only enhances their credibility but also facilitates the growth of their ventures.

Kyle Reed [14:49]: "The difference between a smart person with ideas and a thought leader is frameworks."

8. Practical Applications and Daily Life Integration

Donald and Kyle highlight how frameworks seamlessly integrate into everyday activities. Whether it's driving to work, following a morning routine, or creating social media content, frameworks provide the necessary structure to achieve goals efficiently without exhaustive mental effort.

Donald Miller [12:27]: "Listen, you driving to work today, you drove on a framework."

9. Encouraging Listener Engagement with Frameworks

To conclude, the hosts encourage listeners to identify and develop their own frameworks. They suggest starting with simple, everyday processes—like getting children fed in the morning or making coffee—and formalizing these into step-by-step frameworks. This practice not only enhances personal efficiency but also unlocks unique perspectives that can be shared and scaled.

Donald Miller [21:05]: "Notice... you have some unique thing you figured out that you know. And one of the things that could be holding them back is they just have not put it in a framework yet."

Key Takeaways

• Frameworks Provide Clarity and Structure: They act as mental maps that guide individuals from their current state to desired outcomes, making complex processes manageable and actionable.

• Frameworks Enhance Efficiency: By formalizing routines and processes into structured guidelines, individuals save cognitive energy, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.

• Frameworks Facilitate Thought Leadership: Structured ideas are easier to teach, scale, and implement, establishing the framework creator as an authority in their field.

• Creating Your Own Frameworks: Start by defining clear rules, incorporating best practices, and using visuals to communicate effectively. Begin with simple daily tasks to build and refine your unique frameworks.

In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed effectively lay the foundation for understanding the indispensable role of frameworks in achieving success. By sharing personal experiences, practical examples, and actionable steps, they empower listeners to harness the power of frameworks to elevate their personal and professional lives.