How to Think on Your Feet

Ever freeze up in the moment, searching for the right words?

Thinking fast isn’t just for smooth talkers—it’s a skill anyone can master.

There’s a simple trick to sharpen your reflexes, and once you know it, you'll never hesitate before speaking up again. Speaking up will be your superpower!

Curious? Let’s dive in…

Takeaway:

I’ll never forget the first time I froze up in an important meeting. All eyes were on me, waiting for my input. The pressure to sound smart, polished, and decisive was high.

My mind? Completely blank. 

I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn’t know how to impart my ideas… without rambling. That moment haunted me for a long time.

Why couldn’t I just speak up?

One day, while reading about problem-solving strategies, I stumbled upon the idea of thinking in frameworks. It hit me—what if I applied this to how I organize my thoughts? 

If I had a simple mental structure to follow, I wouldn’t freeze up.

So, I started applying frameworks into my thinking...

Over time, everything changed. I no longer scrambled for the right words. No more hesitation, no more blanks.

This week, I’m sharing how you can use this simple trick to sharpen your reflexes and make you the star wherever and whenever you speak up!

Today’s Ladder:

Why Thinking Fast Feels Difficult

The core challenge people face in thinking fast is a lack of structured thinking. Our minds naturally gravitate toward analogy—comparing new information with past experiences.

While this can be useful, it’s not the most efficient method for high-pressure, high-stress conversations.

The trick? Framework thinking.

Frameworks are essentially mental models that help you organize your thoughts around a particular topic.

A framework is like a mental map. It gives you a structure to follow, allowing you to organize information quickly and logically.

When a framework is in place, you don’t have to “figure out” how to respond from scratch every time. You already know which direction to take.

For example, let’s use decision-making as a framework:

• Decision = Facts + Emotions + Time

When someone asks for advice on making a difficult decision, you can guide them through the framework by:

1. Assessing the facts.

2. Acknowledging their emotions.

3. Considering the time they have to decide. 

This method breaks the problem into clear pieces, making the process easier to navigate.

Creating Your Own Frameworks

You don’t have to be an expert to build your own frameworks. The idea is to simplify complex topics by identifying the key levers that matter.

By boiling down a topic to its essence, you create a repeatable system for yourself.

One example I use often is in giving feedback:

• Feedback = What went well + What could be improved + Next steps

This simple framework ensures that feedback is constructive and balanced. Whenever my direct reports asked for feedback on a project or performance, I immediately break it down into these three areas.

It not only helps me organize my thoughts but also keeps the conversation focused and productive.

How to Build Your Own Frameworks

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating frameworks. Start with what you know and distill the information down to its core elements.

It’s like the famous Picasso quote: "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."

Here’s another example in communication:

• Ethos (Credibility) 

• Pathos (Emotion)

• Logos (Logic)

This classic framework can help you analyze why your speech or presentation may not be landing well. By breaking it down into credibility, emotion, and logic, you can quickly identify where the weak points are and strengthen them.

The Value of Having Frameworks

Building a library of frameworks isn’t just about making you sound smart. It’s about giving you the edge and confidence to speak clearly, decisively, and with purpose.

It’s the difference between steering a conversation toward a resolution or floundering under pressure.

The best part?

Framework thinking is a skill you can build over time.

By constantly learning new frameworks, distilling complex ideas, and practicing their application, you’ll become someone who not only thinks fast but also thinks well.

Want to crush it at work?

Unlock those mental frameworks & have them ready to fire at a moment's notice!

Career Bytes:

Curious career facts to feed your curiosity!

AI-powered tools are now used by 60% of large companies to assist in recruiting, sorting resumes, and conducting preliminary interviews!

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed twice as fast, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

If we aren’t already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn.

If you have a career topic in mind that you want me to write about, you can message me at [email protected]