🌩️ Harmful Mental Models
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Today, you’ll learn how to adjust your mental models thanks to Lenny’s Podcast.
We develop mental models early in life. These ingrained beliefs dictate how we connect with others, how we approach problem solving, and ultimately, the decisions we make in business.
Carole Robin, a Stanford Business School professor and Co-Founder of Leaders in Tech, challenges us to reconsider these ingrained models, proposing a more nuanced approach to our interactions.
Use dials, not switches
Some mental models are harmful, such as:
If I tell you about me, you’ll take advantage of me.
If I’m vulnerable with you, you’ll think that I’m weak.
If I give you feedback, it’s going to weaken our relationship.
Inevitably, you’ve had a time in your life when this has been true.
But some people decide that these are the only possible outcomes.
They need to differentiate and become more discretionary with whom they open up to and how they open up to them.
I don’t tell you everything or nothing. I don’t share all of my feelings or none.
We have to think about these things as dials, not switches.
Carole Robin
Why it matters
When we lock ourselves into rigid beliefs, we can severely disrupt team dynamics and business operations.
These negative assumptions often lead to what Patrick Lencioni describes as the Five Dysfunctions of a Team:
A lack of trust
Fear of conflict
Avoidance of commitment
Avoidance of accountability
Inattention to results
When team members are unwilling to open up or share feedback, it stifles trust and honest communication.
Without this, teams struggle to engage with constructive conflict, align around goals, and commit to decisions.
Next steps
Be introspective. Identify any harmful mental models you might be harboring. Consider how they impact your risk taking, decision making, and communication.
Be realistic. Recognize that deep rooted views shaped by your past experiences will take time and persistence to change.
Identify triggers. Find ways to remind yourself about the new behaviors and beliefs you’re trying to adopt.
Walk the walk. If you don’t show up with a willingness to update your beliefs and behaviors, you’re not going to inspire others to do the same.
Seek feedback. After adjusting your behavior, ask for feedback. This shows you how your actions are perceived and if you’re making progress.
Embrace change. By being open to change, new ideas, and new experiences, you can more easily assess and adapt your mental models.
Your thoughts?
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