The data that we observe, whether personally or organizationally, is selected, filtered, and interpreted through our assumptions and beliefs. To a great degree we “see what we believe” and are unable to perceive data that lies outside our existing mental models. Our current way of thinking, whether it be personal or collective, governs our perception of reality and thus holds great influence in our ability to create what we desire.
So, what kind of conversation would it take to cause us to think more clearly and more accurately? Unfortunately, thinking about thinking is particularly difficult, rather like the eye trying to see itself. And if that weren’t enough, it’s also threatening for people to expose their thinking, whether to themselves or others, because often we discover that it is flawed. This is embarrassing enough, but it is compounded when people’s identities are wrapped up in their perceptions of how intelligent they are.
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