Mental Model

In this ever changing global environment it is important to understand where our mental models and mindsets originate and how we can shift them to change our behaviors and enhance our creativity to remain competitive. It is also important to understand the various styles of creative intelligence and how these styles impact the decision-making and leadership roles within organizations. The world is transforming and in this competitive market, in order for organizations to remain ahead, they must break or shift mental models and mindsets. China Staff ( 2009) reported, “According to social psychologists and researchers, we possess certain mental models which help to explain and give meaning to people and phenomena we observe around us. These models form our assumptions or beliefs about external reality.” (p. 30-32). Companies that remain in the “status quo” and are not tuned into environmental changes and trends will lose to their competition. Companies that shift their mental models to the changing environment, foster innovation and move into areas where there are growth opportunities in markets will see growth and profit. (Middle East Company News, 2009)

There are several forces that influence the models and mindsets that impact the way we react to situations and see the world around us. During childhood, our parents, friends and other members of our family shape our mental model. For instance, our 3rd grade science teacher may have taught with great enthusiasm and drew us into the class and learning that we began to have a love for nature and science from that experience. There are connections throughout our lives with individuals who influenced how we think and feel.

Our education, reading books, watching television shows, and reading newspapers, influence our thoughts and how we perceive the world. The lessons in life from all of our experiences shape who we are. Often times in the workplace there is training that is required to learn new programs or...