Defensive Routines & Organiztional Learning

• Strive to be in unilateral control;
• Minimize losing and maximize winning;
• Minimize the expression or negative feelings;
• Be rational.

The consequences of these Model 1 strategies are likely to be defensiveness, misunderstandings, and self-fulfilling and self-sealing processes. Like single-loop learning, Model 1 behaviors are useful in some situations--but are not useful in more complex situations where we must seek the best, most valid information. Errors cannot be readily detected in situations where everyone is colluding in saving face.

Why, despite the adverse consequences do we all seem to act in accordance with Model 1? First, because Model 1 is based upon values that were instilled in us in childhood and reinforced through most of our educational and work life experiences . This makes it very difficult to change because changing requires that we explore strongly embedded values and assumptions within our own psyche . Few of us have the skills or courage to be able to do this alone.