Mental models are assumptions we make to interpret the world, including our work world. Often, these assumptions go untested. But it is at risk to our success on the job that we ignore our own –and others’--mental models. Unexamined perceptions can govern our responses to customers, employees, bosses, and suppliers.

By assessing our mental models we learn how our views, thoughts, speech and actions may not accurately respond to the ‘reality’ of the stakeholders we serve. In other words, their ‘reality’ may not be our ‘reality’.

Fortunately, we can reframe our perceptions, get closer to shared reality and common understanding, by using a simple assessment and by employing skillful language. When we check our understanding against what is being said and thought, PRESTO, we increase our chance to communicate.

In this workshop, participants will learn:

• to define mental models
• to determine how mental models guide their (and others’) thoughts and behaviors
• to examine some of their own mental models
• to practice with tools that reveal mental models
• to improve the quality of thinking by using skillful language and a critical assessment tool