1. See the Mental Models Worksheet below. An example of a mental model associated with the fighting fires management style in the context of a health services organization is followed by actions associated with that mental model. Next, an alternative (different, opposite) mental model for this type of management style is offered, followed by associated actions. 2. Choose the mental model that currently influences you or that you would like to influence your management approach and style. Circle that mental model on the worksheet. 3. Think of a mental model about the topic of power and authority in organizations. Describe your actions as a health services manager if your behavior was driven by this mental model. Think of an alternative mental model about power and authority in organizations. Describe your actions as a health services manager if your behavior was driven by this mental model. Write your response in the respective boxes on the worksheet. 4. Choose the mental model that currently influences you or that you would like to influence your management approach and style. Circle that mental model on the worksheet. 5. Repeat 3 and 4 for two topics of your own choice

5. Mental Models a. Topic Actions Actions Mental Models Alternative Mental Models If I am "Fighting fires management style Putting out "fires" at work makes me feel important like I have really accomplished something today. Prevent problems rather than react to problems in constantly putting out fires, some work or management processes are not working well. Act in a reactive, rather than proactive, manner. Manage day to day rather than strategically Encourage employees to depend on the manager to solve problems. the workplace. Improve work processes rather than continually treat symptoms of process breakdowns. Encourage employees to solve problems and participate in improvement effort Power and authority b