Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I wish there was a clearer way to explain how I work or teach”? I’ve been there, too. 

For me, frameworks have become one of those quiet, powerful tools that help turn scattered thoughts into something clear and meaningful. They aren’t just buzzwords or complicated diagrams. They’re ways to make the invisible parts of our work visible, helping us organize ideas, decisions, and intentions so we and the people we work with can see the heart of what really matters. 

In this episode, we explore what frameworks are, why they matter, and how they can help us design, lead, and connect with purpose – whether it’s guiding students through research projects, creating learning experiences, or shaping your own approach to work. Think of frameworks as bridges that connect ideas to action and people to each other.

Listen in as we talk about:

• 01:00 A key tool in my tool belt
• 02:47 Making the invisible – visible
• 05:25 A framework for engagement
• 09:06 Designing learning with heart
• 10:53 Why frameworks matter
• 12:55 Shaping your framework
• 15:00 Framing your work forward

Connect with Tiana:

• Website: https://tianafech.com
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
• Instagram: @tianafech 
• Facebook: @tianafech 
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 

“A framework is really about making something invisible… visible. It gives shape to what you value, what you do, and how you do it.”

So, what is a framework, really? It might sound like a stuffy corporate buzzword, but at its core, a framework is simply a structured way to organize your thinking. It’s like swapping out a messy junk drawer for a neat, labelled filing cabinet helping you (and others) make sense of your ideas, decisions, and approach. Frameworks don’t have to be fancy. They can be a simple model or a detailed visual  guide. What matters is that they bring clarity and meaning to your work. In fact, you’re probably already using frameworks without realizing it – in how you give feedback, lead a meeting, or make decisions. The power comes when you name and shape those patterns with intention, turning them into tools that are not only useful to you, but usable and shareable with others. A good framework doesn’t complicate things. It helps you see what matters, how it connects, and how to share it in a way that truly makes sense.

Creating the ARIS Hub Student Engagement Framework for Applied Research and Innovation Services at SAIT, the Southern Institute of Technology, was less about checking boxes and more about asking the right questions. My colleague Teresa Bent and I spent two years exploring what meaningful student engagement really looks like in applied research – where timelines, partners, and projects are constantly shifting. We didn’t start with a polished plan. We started with curiosity, sticky notes, and honest conversations. Over time, key themes like purpose, roles, quality, and impact became the backbone of a framework that now helps guide, support, and reflect on student involvement in a clear, consistent, and human way. It includes everything from shared language to guiding principles but at its heart, it’s about creating positive, growth-oriented experiences for everyone involved. When frameworks are rooted in real questions and lived experience, they become more than just tools. They become trusted guides for meaningful connection and impact.

In my consulting work, I wanted a way to capture what truly matters in learning design – not just the content, but the connection. That’s how the People Teaching People Framework came to life. It’s a visual, human-centered tool that guides facilitators, entrepreneurs, and organizations in creating meaningful learning experiences across all kinds of settings. At its core is a belief that great learning happens when people connect with each other and with purpose. The framework blends science (the structure and strategy), art (the creativity and energy), and heart (the connection and impact). Whether I’m supporting a client or speaking to a room full of educators, this framework helps bring clarity to my work and invites others to reflect on their own approach to teaching and learning. The most powerful learning experiences aren’t just well-structured. They’re deeply human, rooted in connection, and designed with both the head and the heart in mind.

Creating a framework isn’t just about organizing your work. It’s about bringing clarity, purpose, and connection to what you do. A strong framework helps you make sense of your ideas, communicate your approach, and support more thoughtful decisions. It becomes a reference point you can return to, and more importantly, it empowers others to take your ideas and make them their own. The best frameworks aren’t rigid. They’re adaptable, like recipes you can season to taste. They grow alongside you. And yes, it can feel vulnerable to put your thinking out there. But doing so invites others into the process and builds stronger, more meaningful collaboration. A great framework doesn’t just explain your work. It amplifies it, invites others in, and evolves with you.

When it comes to creating your own framework, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and that’s a good thing! The most effective frameworks are the ones that fit your context, your people, and your purpose. Start by asking: Who is this for? Why am I creating it? What do I want it to include? Whether you’re designing for a small team or an entire organization, your answers will shape everything from the language you use to the structure you choose. And – don’t forget the visual piece. Even a simple sketch can help turn abstract ideas into something tangible and memorable. A great framework not only captures what you do, but helps others understand, connect with, and apply it in meaningful ways. There’s no “right” way to build a framework. Just the right way for you. Start with purpose, design with people in mind, and keep it simple, clear, and useful.

Frameworks aren’t just about organizing ideas. They’re powerful tools that help bring clarity, deepen understanding, and strengthen the way we communicate and collaborate. Whether you’re designing a program, leading a team, teaching a course, or running your own business, a framework can act like a blueprint that supports your goals and reflects your values. And – the truth is, you might already have the beginnings of one in your notes, routines, or the way you show up in your work. It doesn’t need to be perfect or polished. It just needs to be honest and useful. If it helps bring focus, connection, and meaning to your work, that’s the start of a great framework. You don’t have to build it all at once. Just start putting the pieces together.