Are Frameworks Killing Creativity

Hello Everyone!

Every week, I set a few hours aside to plan out my newsletter issue. I review a self-created topic list and choose one that I want to write about. I then meditate on how I want to write about that topic. In the end, I settle into a default framework I've created. Here's how that framework looks:

• Intro: Setting up the topic
• Body: Strategies in implementing solutions or overcoming challenges
• Conclusion: A summary of my key points

YAWNNN…

Yup, that's me calling out my newsletter issues! Lately, I've been asking myself: 

"Where's the authenticity?" 

When I'm handcuffing myself to a framework or template, I'm stifling my creativity. If I want writing to be fun, then I must let loose and not be bound to a format or outline.

Do Frameworks Kill Creativity?

Let me be clear: I love frameworks. I think they can simplify concepts in easy-to-process formats. One of my most popular workshops is called Think & Talk Like a CEO. In that workshop, I introduce The Business 360 Framework, which I created back in 2011 when I was interviewing at consulting firms. This framework can help anyone understand business and strategy by clearing the noise and removing the mental chaos. That's a heck of an accomplishment from a framework.

So, to answer the question, NO, frameworks do not kill creativity! But…

…being dependent on them will stifle it.

Frameworks & Templates

I'm a big fan of frameworks that act as a blueprint simplifying a complex topic, or a guide giving actionable steps to accomplish a challenging process. These types of frameworks are tools and should be leveraged.

Then, there are frameworks and templates that act as outlines, similar to the example I provided above. It's a rinse and repeat process. While they are helpful, it can be dangerous to consistently rely on them as a long-term solution. 

Think about a new TV show that becomes an instant hit. Audiences love the format, the storylines, and the characters because it's a fresh take over the competition. But after 3 or 4 seasons, there's a good chance the show will lose viewers if they continue with the same style and story. In other words, it loses its creativity by trying to milk the cash-cow.

Letting Loose

In my business, a lot of my time goes into creating content for professional development workshops, trainings, coaching and keynote speeches, and therefore, I rely on heavily on frameworks and templates. They help me with creating and teaching. The big difference for me is that I'm always iterating my frameworks. They are a constant evolvement because I ensure these frameworks adapt with the needs of "today's" professionals.

However, I'm starting to let loose as well. I'm allowing myself to feel freer on how I want to approach development topics. This is allowing me to find my voice in a more authoritative and authentic way. While I still leverage my frameworks and templates, I also am allowing my personality to shine.

The result? I'm noticing that people are listening more because they like the raw passion and emotion that comes from letting loose.

Amazingly, this has boosted my confidence multi-fold. Who knew being yourself is a self-confidence booster 😉?

Parting Words

Don't worry, this is not going to be a summary. But, it will be a forewarning. If you are observing social media feeds these days, there are a lot of one-stop-shop solutions being offered. There are frameworks on how to make five figures a month, six figures a year, launch an online business with ease, gain hundreds of thousands of followers, etc.  The harsh reality is that there are no sure-fire bets, and a framework cannot guarantee any outcome. You can learn from a framework, but don't think it's the end-all-be-all answer to your challenges. You will need to rely on that marble in your head, where motivation, grit, strategy and creative innovation must work together to help you get where you want to go. Oh, yeah, and you will need a touch of luck along the way.

See you next week friends!

If you are interested in improving your speaking, communication skills and confidence, schedule a call with me or learn more about communication coaching here.

Thought Of The Week

A weekly thought to meditate, ruminate, and/or ponder on:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  

- Ralph Waldo Emerson