IV002: Improving Business Performance Through System Thinking

Mental Models

One of a managers most important skills is to be able to identify solutions to operational problems and manage corrective actions (change) to improve performance. Many times, it is the latter (change) that becomes the most difficult to manage. This challenge stems from presence of mental models, which are deeply ingrained beliefs, assumptions, and generalizations of how something should work, perform, function, etc. Mental models can have a detrimental effect on implementing change. For this Discussion, consider an organization that you are familiar with and post the following:

• Provide a brief description of the organization.
• Describe a mental model that you have witnessed and that has interfered with or prevented an improvement process from being implemented.
• Finally, give your thoughts about whether you think this mental model can be overcome.