The Ladder of Inference describes the thinking process that we go through, usually without realizing it, to get from a fact to a decision or action. In today’s fast-paced world, we are often under pressure to jump to action rather than observe and reflect on the facts presented to us.
Thinking through the rungs in the ladder of inference will help build transparency in communication, creating more constructive and understanding conversation.
Source: Adapted from "The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization." by Peter Senge
Think about a recent time you or someone else jumped to a conclusion without understanding underlying beliefs and assumptions. Refer to the above article by Peter Senge if you need a examples:
Recognize there are “diverse ways of knowing” - how anyone came to know and understand a topic or develop “noble certainties”; consider how you have come to know the world around you.
Next time you notice yourself reacting to a situation, stop and think through your own ladder
Make your thinking and reasoning more visible to others (i.e. “Here’s what I think, and here’s how I got there.”)
State the observable data and further inquire, i.e. “I see you looking at your watch often. Are you in a hurry?”
Assuming we know what others think or how they process is problematic particularly in equity work. Inquire more effectively into others’ thinking and reasoning (i.e. “Help me understand your thinking. What leads you to conclude this?”).
Build in supports such as a meeting facilitator to ensure the topic at hand is not lost.
The Ladder of Inference: How to Avoid Jumping to Conclusions for more tips
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in Integrated Land Use Planning for a dialogue on this topic
For a process to rethink the way we interact
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