Case Study:

Throughout life, we each encounter situations where our thought processes are shaped by unique mental models. Peter Senge (2006) describes a mental model as a "deeply engrained assumption, generalizations, or even pictures or images that influence how we understand the world and how we take action" (p. 8). This refers to the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

For example, my best friend and I share different mental models in regard to structure in our lives. I personally embrace a mental model that thrives on spontaneity and last-minute plans. I have always been one who "goes with the flow" and loves spontaneous plans in life. My friend, however, follows a mental model that is very structured. She prefers for everything to be planned efficiently and timely. In order to address this difference, we have fostered open communication in our friendship. I understand that for her to feel comfortable and at ease, she needs to be aware of plans at least a few days in advance. She has also come to understand that our last-minute plans always turn out to be fun and she goes along with them on occasion. This has taken effort on both parts to ensure we are communicating, while also respecting how one another feels.

Another example of a mental model difference lies between my sister and me and our regard to time management. We are both pursuing our degrees at the same time and follow very different schedules. I have to ensure that my assignments are laid out at the beginning of each week and I coordinate my schedule to ensure I have time to complete schoolwork. My sister, on the other hand, thrives under pressure. She completes assignments hours before they are due because she finds that she focuses more during that time. We are complete opposites when it comes to this and I have had to learn to not bother her during that time. We view this topic very differently, but we have a mutual understanding that we each do what works best for us individually. I believe this is a difference in a mental model that does not affect our relationship and does not necessarily need to be changed.

Understanding mental models allows us to be more understanding of the world around us. Mental models allow us to see that there are many different ways to see and approach the world and there is no one "right" answer. This can be beneficial in friendships, employment, and life in general because we can be more understanding of diverse thoughts and opinions.

References

Garrity, E. J. (2018).Using systems thinking to understand and enlarge mental models: Helping the transition to a sustainable world.Systems,6(2), 15-31. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6020015

Senge, P. M. (2006). Shared visions. In The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization (pp. 191-215). Doubleday

Question:

1. Relate your own experiences with mental models and their effect on your interactions with others to what your colleague shared.
2. Provide a different or expanded perspective by offering an insight that you gained by reading your colleague's conclusions.
3. Ask a question that will help your colleague think about their conclusions more deeply or broadly. Make sure you provide context and/or references based on the class readings, your own investigation, or your experience.