Conflict Resolution through Examining Assumptions
The Ladder of Inference

The Ladder of Inference is a representation of how the mind works that has been around for quite a while.  It might be useful to people as they sort out why their communications were not successful.
The mind likes patterns.  When a situation comes up, the mind looks for a similar situation from the past and what was successful.  These patterns are hard to break, but looking back at how the current situation is different than the one before may help unravel the assumptions and conclusions that got in the way of a successful outcome in the present.

Rung 1:  Select Data — we can’t process all of the data around us at any given time, so we select what we think is the most important at the moment.  Hint:  when we are angry, have you noticed that your mind focuses completely on what is making you angry, and nothing outside of that?

Rung 2:  Add Meaning — we analyze, interpret, infer, establish beliefs about the selected data.  What we come up with may not be “the Truth”, but it becomes the truth for us.

Rung 3:  Draw Conclusions — we decide how best to react based on past experiences and how we perceive the current situation.  (Perceive is the key word here.)

Rung 4:  Act 

Sometimes, we create a ladder of inference after thoughtful consideration.  Often, we jump to conclusions based on our assumptions and act in a blink of an eye.

The key to conflict resolution is to calm down and examine the rungs of the ladder to determine where the differences are or where the false assumptions were brought forth.

Remember:  we’re all trying to do the best we can.

Doug Powell
Doug.powell.oldjock@gmail.com