FrameShifting: unleashing the power of frameworks to fuel collaboration and solve tough problems

WINNER 2022 NAUTILUS BOOK AWARD: Business & Leadership

FrameShifting is a unique leadership guide to collaborating with others that combines structure and creativity. In these pages you will learn the FrameShifting methodology—from how to frame the “real problem” to selecting, validating and applying frameworks. It’s a slim volume packed with practical advice, helpful checklists, and a troubleshooting guide—along with delightful illustrations for an enjoyable, thought-provoking read.

FrameShifting breaks new ground with the concept of Frame Archetypes and a quiz to help you discover yours. It profiles the FrameBuilder, FrameSeeker, FrameMaster and FreeRadical using real-life examples to describe their skills, Achilles’ heels, and opportunities for growth.

From the Foreword: “What Alison and Mary have done is to illuminate the discipline of problem framing and using frameworks effectively, making what has historically been more of an art into a learnable science that consultants of all flavors can use to increase the impact of their work with clients.

However, this book is not just for consultants. It’s for anyone who wants to engage others in the exploration and solving of tough problems. FrameShifting is as much a collaboration approach as it is a problem-solving approach.”
—Melissa Quinn, Innovation Advisor and Coach, former COO and Managing Director, Doblin, a Deloitte business

FrameShifting draws upon Alison Heiser’s extensive experience as an executive and consultant working with leaders and teams in blue chip organizations including P&G, LensCrafters, Michelin, Accenture, Microsoft, BASF, Steelcase and many others.

All over the world teams are working together to solve challenges they’ve never seen before. And far too often, an endless series of meetings leave people frustrated and with little to show for their efforts. FrameShifting is a skill that can be learned, and with practice it will step change how leaders and teams collaborate to drive innovative problem-solving in any organization.

Alison Heiser is principal of Alison Heiser Associates, LLC, a strategy and innovation consultancy helping clients with "gnarly problems" that require deep thinking and imagining new business models. alisonheiserassociates.com

Mary O'Connor Shaw leads 360 Shaw Communications Inc., a consulting firm that helps business leaders craft powerful stories. 360shaw.com