Fundamental Leadership Skills -Examining Mental ModelsKaren J. HannanCollaboration Works, Inc.

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Collaboration Works, Inc. Why Mental Models Are ImportantHow We ThinkWhat We ThinkBehavioror ActionsProductsPotential for Greatest Change

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Understanding Mental Models Mental models or mapsTacit, subconscious, unexaminedDetermine how we interpret different situationsInfluences our reactionsCan be made conscious with some effortDiscovery requires reflection, inquiry, advocacy skills

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Ladder of InferenceTake actions based on beliefsDraw conclusionsAdopt beliefs about the worldMake assumptions based upon meanings Ive addedAdd meaning (cultural & personal)Select data (unconsciously)Observable data

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

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Collaboration Works, Inc.The Brains JobTranslates perception into appropriate thoughts, emotions, and behaviorsEnsures emotions are consistent with beliefsProcesses information based on experiences, regardless of quality of input (blind organ)

Basically, we see what we believe

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Working with Mental ModelsReflectionStepping down the ladder of inference InquiryActive exploration of others ideasAdvocacyActive exploration of your own ideas

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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.)

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Building Reflection Skills How?Observe your own ability to listen (including your willingness to be influenced)Develop a reflective practicePut the day to bed practiceLeft-hand journalingCreate an environment for reflectionBuild a group practice for reflection and lessons learned

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Collaboration Works, Inc.ExerciseAddress 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 habitsWhat 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

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Collaboration Works, Inc.ConversationDeliberationChoice PointSuspendReflective DialogueGenerative DialogueSkillful ConversationDialecticDefendControlled DiscussionDebateChoice PointConversational ChoicesFrom William Isaacs DialogueAnd the Art of Thinking Together

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Skillful ConversationInquiryActively listen to understand & help others make their thinking process visibleShare your thoughts based on what youve heard -- compare your thinkingAdvocacyExplain your thinkingGather input, ideas, feedback

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Examining Mental Models - Practice Individually, follow the directions on the Mental Models SheetIn 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

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Collaboration Works, Inc.Taking It Forward

What one thing do I want to take with me from today for future use?

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*Perception Alligator, Beliefs Alligators are dangerous, Emotions panic, Action/behavior rush to shore