MENTAL MODELS END BELIEFS

Definitions:

Mental models are images, representations, or schemes of how we perceive and understand the world around us. Like all models, mental models are abstractions of reality. The model is less complex than the real world. No matter how well constructed, all models are wrong in some context or time. As the economy evolves, the mental models that were once successful become outdated. Therefore, refreshing the mental model of organization leaders is a chief requirement of a strategic management competency.

A mental model is an explanation of someone's thought process about how something works in the real world. It is a representation of the surrounding world, the relationships between its various parts and a person's intuitive perception about his or her own acts and their consequences. Mental models can help shape behaviour and set an approach to solving problems and doing tasks.

The image of the world around us, which we carry in our head, is just a model. Nobody in his head imagines all the world, government or country. He has only selected concepts, and relationships between them, and uses those to represent the real system.

Characteristics of Mental Models

• They are critical to our effectiveness.

• They filter what we see and hear.

• We often treat our mental models as the "truth."

• They are flawed and can get us into trouble.

• It's easier to see others' mental models and harder to see our own.

Mental models are the beliefs, assumptions, and internal conversations we have about every aspect of ourselves, others, situations, and life. In some cases, we refer to these as paradigms when they provide a comprehensive theory about how things are or the way they work. On a daily basis, there are many specific assumptions that we make.

Racial and ethnic background, as well as the culture of an individual's regional area, local community, and extended family, may impact career decisions. Our culture often shapes our values and expectations as they relate to many parts of our lives, including jobs and careers. Multicultural career counseling has emerged as a specialized field to take these influences into consideration when counseling clients and students. We can’t attribute the predominant characteristics of a culture to any one of it's individuals, but having an awareness of the values and expectations of our culture may help us understand how we make our career choices.

It's important to understand that career choice is not made based on any one factor. Our choices are subject to many influences – individual, cultural, social, and environmental. The combination and interaction of various influences on your decision-making are unique to you and your situation. There may also be multiple options, several "good-fits" for you, instead of a single, right choice. Keep in mind that as you change, learning and experiencing new things, and external factors change, such as the economy, you will continue to revise and fine-tune your career choices.   

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_model

http://joshuaspodek.com/examples-models-beliefs-mental

http://www.iseesystems.com/Online_training/course/module5/5-02-0-0-character.htm

http://www.createadvantage.com/glossary/mental-model