The ladder of inference

I was sitting in a meeting explaining the steps to the change plan. Dave was engrossed in his phone. This was an important change initiative and I couldn’t believe he was simply ignoring me. What a plonker. Well, I decided right then that I would show him, I know he needs to be involved, but all of that extra effort I was going to, he’ll be lucky to get that engagement from me. After all, he doesn’t even give me the courtesy of paying attention.

Have you ever had an attack of “evil logic” like above. The truth of the matter is that Dave’s wife was heavily pregnant and due in the next few days. He was checking his phone because he knew he may be needed at any time.

The ladder of inference is a useful tool to understand how your “evil logic” can take over - from taking the data of Dave looking at his phone to forming a belief that Dave is obviously a plonker, to affecting your future actions (withholding engagement).

And the cure? Be curious. Be aware of your thinking. Ask yourself if there are any other explanations for the behaviour. Or simply ask Dave if everything is OK (in a kind tone!)

Check out the Ladder of Inference, it’s a good one, and one I frequently use in my #leadershipcoaching #humanconnection

Image credit to: www.christinenoffz.com