Taking a hard look at a current – usually unworkable – situation to see if it could be solved by looking at it in a different way, can be described as a reframing process.

Dictionary definitions vary but generally underline the above description. Dictionary.com offers the following definitions:

verb (tr)

• to support or enclose (a picture, photograph, etc) in a new or different frame
• to change the plans or basic details of (a policy, idea, etc) reframe policy issues and problems
• to look at, present, or think of (beliefs, ideas, relationships, etc) in a new or different way
• to change the focus or perspective of (a view) through a lens
• to say (something) in a different way, reframe the question

When consulted to solve a problem for a client perhaps we could add this reframing process to our list of “solving” tools.

For example, a client may represent with yet another failed cashflow issue that previous plans have failed to address. On reflection, you may be able to get clients to see that it is not the planning that is at fault, it is the client’s unwillingness to implement the plans. By reframing in this way, the practitioner may have an opportunity to address the real issue – implementation. 

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