Discovery Skills: Reframing Reputations

Purpose

To help people see that many “negative” behaviors reflect the circumstances that people are in and the absence of important aspects of what is Important To.

Instructions

When someone we are asked to support comes to us with a “negative” reputation (i.e. someone is engaging in what would typically be called challenging, problem or risky behavior), you want to help others reframe their interpretation of the actions.

To best use this tool, start by talking with people who have a genuine relationship with the person – those who speak respectfully, can see the person as fun. (See also the “like and admire” tool to help with who to listen to). Then ask them to describe the “negative” side of the person’s personality. For example: stubborn, obsessive, aggressive, resistant, intimidating, perfectionist, too talkative, etc.