When polarizing topics are discussed in meetings, it can turn into a fight. In these conflicts, where passions run high, people tend to confuse correlation with causation while determining the reason for the problem, or can have hindsight bias. They can also create evidence out of nothing or assume a maliciousness intent from the decision-makers.Mental models are tools that can help us navigate through such challenging or confusing situations.

A Meeting With Conflict

Problem Solving

This mental model states that most actions made by people need not be categorized as malicious or intentionally bad, but simply a sign of incompetence and acting out of fear.
Many poor decisions and actions are not intentional but due to ineptitude. By following this mental model, we untie ourselves from unnecessary negativity and work towards a solution.

Hanlon's Razor

The mental model of relativity states that everyone's outlook, viewpoint and perspective are different from ours.
The same situation is looked in different ways by people, and understanding these variations can help us toward a meaningful dialogue with them. We can diffuse any inherent conflict by hearing out and identifying what we understand, making the other person feel listened to.

Relativity

A few other mental models to keep in mind while in a meeting with conflict:
<ul><li>Probabilistic Thinking: Understanding the base information before evaluating the severity of the anomaly.</li><li>The law of Large Numbers: Statistical figures are more reliable in large sample sizes.</li><li>Correlation is not causation: If something is associated with a problem, it doesn't mean it is the cause of the problem.</li><li>Feedback Loop: Looking for cues in the real-time responses and behavioural changes on the other side, figuring out the next possible steps and solutions.</li></ul>

In a conflictual meeting

When polarizing topics are discussed in meetings, passions can run high and cloud our judgment. Learn how mental models can help you see clearly from this real-life scenario. *** Mental models can sometimes come off as an abstract concept. They are, however, actual tools you can use to navigate through challenging or confusing situations.

Hanlon's Razor

How to Train Your Brain to Think in New Ways

Tools for Thinking Better

Mental Models: Out of Box Thinking

Mental Models: Examples

5 Mental Models to Help You Think More Clearly, Rationally, and Effectively

5 Mental Models for thinking clearly

"The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice."

Brain Herbert

The Learning Model

Unconscious Incompetence