Reflection #5: Getting lost in the language of frameworks

David McThomas
Coaching Conversations
2 min readDec 4, 2023

Ever felt like you’re in a jungle with business frameworks as vines, swinging from Agile to Lean, only to end up tangled in jargon? Well, you’re not alone! Let’s chop through this jungle with a machete of simplicity.

The Framework Maze: Navigating with Porpoise

Yes, you read that right. Porpoise. Because why navigate with purpose when you can swim through frameworks with the agility of a sea mammal?

  • Lean Six Sigma: Think of it as your business’s diet plan — trimming the fat (waste) and building muscle (quality). It’s like a fitness regime for your processes, minus the sweat!

Decoding the Jargon: A Linguist’s Aprroach

Let’s face it, ‘synergize your paradigms’ sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel. Let’s translate that into human!

  • ‘Pivoting’ in Business: Not just a dance move! In business, it’s like realizing mid-party that salsa isn’t working, so you switch to tango. It’s all about changing your steps to match the music.

Choosing the Right Map: Framework Selection

It’s like choosing the right hat for a sunny day. You wouldn’t wear a beanie, right? Same goes for frameworks.

  • Agile vs. Waterfall: Agile is your baseball cap — versatile, casual, good for sunny and cloudy days. Waterfall is more like a top hat — classy, structured, and great for formal occasions.

Beyond the Framework: Creative Navigation

Frameworks are not straitjackets. They’re more like those floaties kids wear in a pool — helpful, but you still need to swim!

  • Agile-Scrum Hybrid: It’s like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Two great things that, when combined, create something even more awesome.

Finding Your Way: Clarity and Application

Applying these frameworks should be as easy as baking a cake — just follow the recipe, but don’t be afraid to add some extra chocolate chips!

  • Kanban in an Everyday Workflow: Imagine a Kanban board as your kitchen noticeboard. One column for groceries, another for chores — simple, visual, and keeps the family from chaos!

So there you have it! Frameworks demystified. Remember, they’re tools to help you navigate the business world, not to tie you in knots.

Happy framework frolicking!

--

--

David McThomas
Coaching Conversations

Dedicated to unlocking Human and Organisational potential, through Professional Coaching and Powerful Breakthrough Questions