How Our Assumptions Can Lead To Conflict
Assumptions!
The "Ladder of Inference" metaphor (Argyris, 1990) describes the process of making observations, gathering information, making assumptions, and taking action as being similar to climbing up on a "Ladder of Inference." It explains one's tendency to climb up the ladder of inference too fast - that is, after seeing or hearing someone speak or act, we integrate this information with an existing set of assumptions that has minimal relationship to what was actually spoken or observed. A visit to the bottom rung of the ladder - observable data and experiences- is often neglected. When this same process occurs within a larger setting organizational or community conflict escalates.
Tools for working with the ladder of inference
| Reflection: | Become more aware of your own thinking and feeling. Take a breath, connect with what you are feeling and the thoughts you are having. | |
| Inquiry: | Inquire into the other person's thinking and reasoning. Walk people down their ladder of inference to the very bottom , to the observable data. | |
| Advocacy: | Describe the experiences or observations (data) from which you draw your own conclusions. Make your thinking and values accessible to the other. Be willing to own and advocate openly for your needs (e.g., respect, inclusion, autonomy, clarity, ease). |
Where can I learn more?
For a model of the Ladder of Inference: http://www.masterfacilitatorjournal.com/inference.html