Fundamental Leadership Skills -Examining Mental Models Karen J. Hannan Collaboration Works, Inc.

Why Mental Models Are Important Why Mental Models Are Important How We Think What We Think Behavior or Actions Products Potential for Greatest Change

Collaboration Works, Inc. Understanding Mental Models Mental models or “ maps ” –Tacit, subconscious, unexamined –Determine how we interpret different situations –Influences our reactions –Can be made conscious with some effort Discovery requires reflection, inquiry, advocacy skills

Collaboration Works, Inc. “ Ladder of Inference ” –Take actions based on beliefs –Draw conclusions –Adopt beliefs about the world –Make assumptions based upon meanings I ’ ve added –Add meaning (cultural & personal) –Select data (unconsciously) –Observable data

Collaboration Works, Inc. VIDEO CLIP Material based on research by Daniel J. Simons and his colleagues

Collaboration Works, Inc. The Brain ’ s Job Translates perception into appropriate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Ensures emotions are consistent with beliefs Processes information based on experiences, regardless of quality of input (blind organ) Basically, we see what we believe …

Collaboration Works, Inc. Working with Mental Models Reflection –Stepping down the ladder of inference Inquiry –Active exploration of others’ ideas Advocacy –Active exploration of your own ideas

Collaboration Works, Inc. Building Reflection Skills – How? Ask questions about our own reactions: –In reacting this way, I am reacting as if I believe what about the current situation? –What might I be missing? –What alternative explanations are possible? –In what ways may I have contributed to this situation? –What “ buttons ” have been pushed for me? (i.e., personal needs, values, process preferences, etc.)

Collaboration Works, Inc. Building Reflection Skills – How? Observe your own ability to listen (including your willingness to be influenced) Develop a reflective practice “Put the day to bed ” practice Left-hand journaling Create an environment for reflection Build a group practice for reflection and lessons learned

Collaboration Works, Inc. Exercise Address the following questions – individually and then in your table groups: –What are some of the limiting factors that discourage your ability to reflect? Consider culture, relationship, environment, individual belief systems, individual habits –What support might you put in place to encourage your opportunity to reflect? Make a plan for yourself for the next week – how could you begin or build on what you already do? Large Group Debrief

Collaboration Works, Inc. ConversationDeliberation Choice Point Suspend Reflective Dialogue Generative Dialogue Skillful ConversationDialectic Defend Controlled DiscussionDebate Choice Point Conversatio nal Choices From William Isaacs – “Dialogue And the Art of Thinking Together”

Skillful Conversation Inquiry –Actively listen to understand & help others make their thinking process visible –Share your thoughts based on what you’ve heard -- compare your thinking Advocacy –Explain your thinking –Gather input, ideas, feedback Collaboration Works, Inc.

Examining Mental Models - Practice Individually, follow the directions on the Mental Models Sheet In pairs or groups of 3, share your document (one person at a time). Avoid in-depth story-telling. –Discuss the questions on the Left-Hand Column Question Sheet Debrief in large group

Collaboration Works, Inc. Taking It Forward Taking It Forward What one thing do I want to take with me from today for future use?