Understanding the Frames of Others

Realizing that others hold different frames than we do is a relatively easy task. We are often confronted with this realization when a particular group holds drastically different views on -- or displays very different approaches to -- a particular conflict or dispute. 

"How in the world can they believe that??"

"Who in their right mind would behave that way??"

"How can we be viewing the same facts in such completely different ways??"

You may have uttered these words at some point in time, when faced with a group or individual who just does not see things the way that you do. It is probably safe to say that in these situations, these people hold different frames than you do. But all is not lost. By examining the frames of others and coming to understand how and why they hold the frames that they do, you will be better equipped to respond and handle working through a problem and resolving a heated dispute.

The following exercises can aid you in identifying and understanding the frames of others: