Hi Leaders,
It’s easy to fall into the trap of blindly following frameworks that ‘everyone’ says work.
But what happens when those frameworks hold you back instead of pushing you forward?
Frameworks are the training wheels of problem solving.
Think about when you first learned to ride a bike. Training wheels helped you get comfortable with balance, but they couldn’t give you the freedom to ride until you had the confidence to take them off.
Frameworks work in much the same way. They are designed to guide, but they shouldn't limit you.
Let's take Agile as an example. When it first took off, it was hailed as the secret to fast, efficient product development. And for many, it was. But not every team thrives with the same rigid structure of daily stand-ups, sprints, and retrospectives. Some teams find that these practices slow them down. Agile is a starting point. It's most effective when you take the core principles (like continuous improvement and collaboration) and adapt them to fit the rhythm of your team.
The same goes for OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). A lot of companies, from startups to tech giants, swear by them for goal-setting. But let’s face it: setting ambitious objectives and tracking progress can easily turn into a numbers game, where the focus shifts from real results to ticking off metrics. If you push too hard on the “key results,” you might lose sight of what truly matters: the impact you’re creating.
Frameworks are best used as tools to help you grasp the basics, not a rigid script. And there comes a time when, as they say, the training wheels should come off.
So, how do you make frameworks work for you?
- Take what works, ditch what doesn’t.
Frameworks are tools, not a bible.
If part of it does not fit your environment, leave it out.
- Understand the logic, then make it your own.
Frameworks exist for a reason. They help you think through problems systematically.
Zoom out and understand the problem they solve.
Then use this understanding to fuel creative solutions that fit your unique circumstances.
- Adapt for your team.
Every team is unique.
Some teams thrive in a flexible environment, while others need structured routines to stay aligned and productive.
Frameworks should help get your team in sync, not slow them down.
- Don’t be afraid to evolve.
If something isn’t working, change it.
Just because something worked in the past, it may no longer serve you.
There is no “right” way to approach a problem.
- Trust your judgment.
At the end of the day, it’s your judgment that will guide your team to success, not frameworks.
Use them as a safety net, but don’t let them dictate every move.
You know your company, your team, and your product better than anyone.
Trust yourself to make the right calls.
Don’t get boxed in by a one-size-fits-all approach. The real power comes from customizing, iterating, and making it work for you and your team.
Because at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is progress. And flexibility is the key to making it happen.
Key Takeaways
✅ Frameworks are tools, not rules.
✅ Adapt frameworks to your team's unique needs.
✅ Trust your instincts to lead. Don't let frameworks dictate your decision-making.
Some Questions for You
What frameworks are slowing you down, and how can you tweak them to speed up decision-making?
Where are you optimizing for process rather than progress?
What would happen if you shifted your focus?
Thanks for reading. Whether you’re leading a team or developing a product, remember: it’s not about sticking to the playbook. It’s about adapting and finding what works best for your team and goals.
When frameworks no longer serve you, trust your instincts to guide the way.
Stay focused, keep evolving, and stay true to your vision. Until next time.
Cheers,
Andrea
next steps
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