This document discusses mental models of leadership and examines how leaders develop beliefs and make assumptions. It introduces the concept of the "ladder of inference" where experiences shape mental models which then guide how data is interpreted. Leaders are placed on a continuum from authoritarian to those who focus on learning organizations, values, and vision. The seminar intends to help participants identify and apply an instructional leadership theory by making them aware of their own mental models and slowing down their thinking process.

1. Mental Models & Leadership Field-Based Superintendents’Program: August Seminar Mental Models & Leadership

2. Mental Models of Leadership At your tables: What do you expect from a really good leader? What don’t you expect? If someone is described as a really good superintendent, what do they spend most of their time doing?

3. Mental Models Select Data Add Meaning Make Assumptions Draw Conclusions Adopt Beliefs Take Actions Data Reflexive Loop Ladder of Inference - Chris Argyris

4. Ladder of Inference Take Actions Adopt Beliefs Draw Conclusions Make Assumptions Add Meanings Select Data Observable Data & Experiences

5. Climbing the ladder Our experience influences our ladders We are often unaware of this structure in our thinking Once we have beliefs in place, we rapidly select data and make judgments We have a combination of good experience, bad experience, and no experience

6. There are two sides to the ladder What “A” Concludes What “A” Infers What “A” Sees What “B” Concludes What “B” Infers What “B” Sees

7. Mental Models of Leadership a continuum Authoritarian Hierarchy Boss Decision maker Manager Organizer Control Learning Organization Designer Steward Teacher

8. The Fifth Discipline developed the foundation for an alternative to the authoritarian hierarchy. Traditional authoritarian organizations Managing Organizing Controlling Compliance Learning Organizations Values Vision Mental Models Commitment

9. Personal Mastery Mental Models Team Learning Systems Thinking Shared Vision ASPIRATIONS CURRENT REALITY structural tension Individual Group

10. Examining our mental models We intend to mess with your mental models in this program We will be working with you to identify and apply an INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP theory of action We will continually ask the question: “What mental models of leadership will serve the future? Reading: The Leader’s New Work: Building Learning Organizations (keep for future reference – Senge overview)

11. REFLECTION: Pay attention to the ladders in your head Become more aware of you own thinking and reasoning Slow your thinking down Open up your thinking Our mental models shape how we behave Often, untested and unexamined “ Experts” have the greatest difficulty