Questions
1. An ancient proverb says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." And another says, "Keep your heart for out of it flow the issues of life." Our mental models either closely correspond to external reality or they are inaccurate maps of external reality that need to be corrected and improved. Explain why Senge believes that working with your own mental models, or why a leader or manager who works with the mental models of his organization, is involved in a high-leverage activity. Why does work with mental models often deal with root problems and issues?
2. How does Senge's concept of "mental models" relate to Covey's "Six Paradigms of Human Interaction"? Do people tend to use one or several of these paradigms in certain situations more than others based upon their mental models? Explain and/or give some examples. What are the consequences, for example, of a scarcity mentality (mental model) or an abundance mentality (mental model)? Are mental models a vague, "academic" concept, or do they have powerful repercussions in everyday practical life?
3. How can mental models help us to manage conflict and reduce the negative politics in an organization? Explain and/or give some examples.
4. How can mental models help us to engage effectively in negotiations with other people, within organizations, and between organizations? Explain and/or give some examples. Do you think the "win-win or no deal" paradigm an effective negotiation technique? Why or why not?
5. How do mental models affect our efforts to bring about positive change, i.e., improvements in an organization? Can working with mental models enrich Scholtes' model for achieving "breakthrough improvement" in an organization? Explain and/or give some examples.
6. What mental model do you need to work on most in your own life or work? What do you plan to do to begin to improve this mental model?
7. How does the learning process we teach in MGT 501-acquire, interpret, apply (using PDSA)-help you to work on your mental models, so that you develop better mental habits, and to influence the mental models of others?