Subtitles section Play video
-
Imagine a microscopic-sized ladder contained in the part of our brain that we'll label our subconscious.
-
The ladder of inference, which was first proposed by Harvard professor Chris Argyris,
-
is the basis of this model.
-
Every time we interact with someone,
-
that experience enters the ladder at the bottom.
-
That same experience zips up the ladder in the blink of an eye,
-
exiting at the top.
-
This process happens thousands of times a day without us knowing it.
-
Let's focus on what happens on each rung of the ladder.
-
On the first rung, we have the raw data and observations of our experience.
-
This is very similar to what someone watching a video recording of our experience would see.
-
Moving up to the second rung
-
we filter in specific information and details from our experience.
-
We unknowingly filter based on our preferences, tendencies,
-
and many other aspects that we believe are important.
-
On to the third rung.
-
We assign meaning to the information we have filtered through.
-
This is where we start to interpret what our information is telling us.
-
On our fourth rung, a very crucial thing happens.
-
We develop assumptions based on the meaning we created on the previous rung,
-
and we start to blur the distinction between what is fact and what is story.
-
On the fifth rung, we develop conclusions based on our assumptions.
-
This is also where our emotional reactions are created.
-
On the sixth rung, we adjust our beliefs about the world around us,
-
including the person or people involved in our experience of the moment.
-
On the seventh and final rung,
-
we take action based on our adjusted beliefs.
-
Still with me? Great!
-
Let's take a real-life example and run it up the ladder to see how this all works.
-
Have you ever been cut off in a parking lot, signal light on
-
as you steer toward your coveted spot, only to slam on your brakes at the last minute
-
as someone pulls in front of you and steals your spot away?
-
Imagine that experience and notice all of the data and observations landing on the first rung of your ladder.
-
Now let's watch what we pay attention to on the second rung.
-
Who cares that it's sunny out and the birds are chirping?
-
The 50% off sign outside of your favorite store is meaningless.
-
You filter in the sensation of your grip tightening on the wheel,
-
you feel your blood pressure rise,
-
you hear the squeal of your brakes,
-
and you notice the expression on the face of the other driver as he pulls in front of you and quickly looks away.
-
Time for our third rung.
-
Ever since you were young, your parents taught you the importance of waiting in line and taking your turn.
-
You live and die by the rule of first come, first serve.
-
And now this guy has just stolen your spot. What gives?
-
Up to the fourth rung we go.
-
Watch closely as our assumptions take over and our story creates itself.
-
"That stupid jerk, didn't his parents teach him anything?
-
How could he not see my signal light? He must never pay attention!
-
Why does he think he's more important than anyone else?"
-
Jumping quickly to the fifth rung,
-
we conclude that this guy is heartless, inconsiderate, he needs to be taught a lesson and put in his place.
-
We feel angry, frustrated, vindictive, justified.
-
On our sixth rung, we adjust our beliefs based on the experience.
-
"That's the last time I give in! Next time someone tries to cut me off,
-
tires will be smoking on the pavement as I squeal past them into my spot."
-
And finally our last rung: we take action.
-
We back up, pull up behind his car, honk our horn, and roll down our window to scream a few choice words his way.
-
Now imagine, he walks over quickly, apologizing.
-
His wife, who's almost due with their first baby, called him from inside the mall
-
to say she is in labor and needs to get to the hospital immediately.
-
We're momentarily shocked, apologize profusely, and wish him luck as he rushes toward the entrance.
-
What just happened here? What changed? Why is this so significant?
-
In our parking lot example,
-
our beliefs were short-circuited by the ladder of the other individual.
-
"My wife is in labor, I need to get there quick,
-
there's a parking spot. Whew!
-
Oh, jeez, I cut someone off. I'd better apologize quickly so they don't think I'm a jerk."
-
But what if we were able to short-circuit our ladders ourselves?
-
Proactively, by choice?
-
Guess what? We can!
-
Let's return to our unique human function of free will.
-
Next time you notice yourself reacting to your experience,
-
pay focused attention to your ladder.
-
Ask yourself what beliefs are at play, where do they come from.
-
What data and observations did you filter in as a result of your beliefs, and why?
-
Are your assumptions valid and supported by facts?
-
Would a different set of assumptions create different feelings, and result in new and better conclusions and actions?
-
We all have our own unique ladder.
-
Be mindful of yours, and help others to see theirs.
