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). People with a different mental model can see the same issue or event and describe it completely differently, as seen in the Sufi parable of The Blind Men and the Elephant. In this tale, there are six blind men examining an elephant for the very first time. Each develops a very different mental model of what an elephant is. The following is a summary of the story:
Six blind men encountered an elephant for the first time. Each inspected the elephant by touching it. They then described it based on what they felt. The first person touched the elephant’s trunk and said, “This animal is like a snake.” The next, whose hand touched the elephant’s ear, claimed it is like a rug. The third person, whose hand touched its leg, said, “The elephant is a like a tree.” The fourth, who placed his hand upon its side, said “This is a wall.” The fifth, who felt its tail, described the elephant as a rope. The last felt its tusk, stating the elephant is hard, smooth, and shaped like a spear.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the resources in the Mental Models area of this week’s Learning Resources.
Consider some of the mental models that you have and some that you have seen in others in your professional or personal life.
By Day 3
Post an analysis of the impact of individual perceptions on problem solving and decision making. In your analysis, do the following:
Describe at least two mental models that you personally have that differ from those of a colleague, family member, or friend.
Examine how these mental models have affected your interactions with your colleague, family member, or friend and what actions you took or could have taken to address these differences.
Explain how understanding mental models can help you become a better problem solver and decision maker.
