The Power of Framing: Creating the Language of Leadership

by Gail T. Fairhurst

Praise for The Power of Framing

"The primary work of leadership involves managing meaning through framing. Fairhurst shows that the way leaders use language to frame people, situations, and events has important consequences for the way individuals make sense of the world and their actions. The Power of Framing is an accessible and inspirational read for leaders who want to shape their organizations in ethically responsible ways." -J. KEVIN BARGE, professor, Texas A&M University

"An ideal book for MBA students and business professionals who are interested in specific tools for constructing leadership in their professional worlds. By focusing on the language toolbox of leadership, the book empowers anyone to construct leadership through talk and interaction." -JOLANTA ARITZ, associate professor, Center for Management Communication, USC Marshall School of Business

"Building on her earlier acclaimed work, and written in a highly accessible style, Fairhurst's thoughtful study provides us with a practical and highly relevant analysis of the power of framing language from a leadership perspective. This is a must-have book." -DAVID GRANT, professor of organizational studies, University of Sydney

"Communication is the most important element of leadership, and framing of the subject and situation is one of the most powerful tools available to leaders. Gail Fairhurst has created the handbook to help leaders do this right. A must-read for anyone in a leadership capacity." -RICH KILEY, venture capitalist, and retired Procter & Gamble marketing and HR executive

"To be an effective global manager, there is nothing more critical than understanding how to frame an issue so that you are effectively communicating and motivating in a culturally sensitive manner. This book will tune you into these issues and show you how to make certain your communication is properly interpreted by your audience." -OLGA JACOB, general sales manager (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), American Airlines

Genres: Leadership, Communication, Business

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2010

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairhurst’s follow up to her 1996 book The Art of Framing showcases a compelling argument, underpinned by real life examples of how today’s business leaders succeed or fail through framing problems within their companies and to outside stakeholders. More than the words leaders choose, it is their behaviors that carry the most weight and guide an organization through challenges.

A Few Thoughts – I read this book for a masters class and it captivated me from the beginning with its smooth narrative flow and a logical sequence of points that build from theory to application. Students, business leaders, and everyday people looking for more effective ways to communicate will undoubtedly find this an easy read and an enlightening experience that provides plenty of tools to keep with you – 4.5 stars for its utility, easy tempo, and common sense approach.

Tom Clementson ( Motley Chronicles )

Be sure to take a moment and leave your feedback and comments about the book on Amazon and goodreads.

[Dana Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything about the topic and even the intro was totally my thing. And yet I was surprised by the distance between idea and relevance. Despite examples given, the book introduced names for the features of communication without enlivening our relationship or skills in communication.

[Eric Nehrlich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book but the structured approach didn't resonate with me, maybe because I didn't actually do the exercises. I appreciate the perspective but tend to be more intuitive and less premeditated in such situations.

[Amanda Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh so good context but mostly just feel like the book teaches you creative ways to lie.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ MAR 2011

Nice application of frame analysis to business communication. Fairhurst references Goffman's classic work, but does not include Bolman and Deal's leadership orientations. Fairhurst's focus is more from a rhetorical perspective, but easily applicable to organizational challenges.

Best quote: "Too often we believe that our organizational interactions are driven by logic and reason only. We either deny or fail to acknowledge the role of emotions in our framing when we ignore the way our bodies are registering pride, passion, joy, anger, and so on. Such emotions either accentuate our framing or provide a mixed message for those with whom we communicate" (Kindle reference 452).

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't make it through the whole book, but I look forward to reading it fully some day.