The Danger in Models

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Nearly all best-selling business or self-help books have a model included. In fact, it is often the model that is the basis for the book’s success. Any self-respecting (and successful) consultant uses models in their work, too. Yet, as valuable as these models, styles, and formulas can be, none are perfect. They can even get in the way of the progress we seek. There is danger in models if we aren’t careful. How do we get the value and minimize the danger?

I’m glad you asked.

Before we get to the danger with models, let’s quickly talk about why they are helpful.

Why Models Matter

Markets, problems, and most notably, people are examples of uniquely complex and complicated things in the workplace. Yet despite the presence of unique components, not every situation is unique. Different, yes. But we can often find some thread of similarity in every situation. Multiple threads of similarity soon reveal a pattern, just like in fabric. Models use those threads of similarity to approximate and simplify reality. We can then use the simplified or generalized view to navigate to a solution or satisfactory result.

In other words, models can be exceptionally helpful to us.?

Until they aren’t.

The Slippery Slope

Imagine your organization has decided to give training to everyone about a particular personality/communication style assessment. The intentions are outstanding and the possibilities promising. Understanding ourselves and our natural tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses better helps us be more productive. When everyone understands the model, they can better understand and accept the different styles of others. The result is less conflict and better relationships, communication, and overall results. And this is the promise of the selected model, which is great news.

Until people start placing labels (letters, colors, or the like) on others. Reducing someone to a style type (e.g. They are a “D”, a red, or a ISTJ) oversimplifies that person. Stereotypes and categories can lead to the segregation and discrimination behaviors we have been trying to eliminate for years.?

So, what started with a great intention and purpose instead slid closer and closer to danger.

Models Aren’t Really Reality

I collect full-size antique tractors as well as farm toys, mostly tractors. In fact, I have toys that match nearly all the full-sized tractors.

While the toys are cool and look like tractors, they aren’t real tractors. They are scale models of real tractors. They are less complex, smaller, and incomplete. Looking at the toy can help you understand the full-size real thing, but it isn’t the same thing. They are models. They mimic reality, necessarily simplifying the complexity of the real thing. In the case of the tractor, that is done because miniaturization and economics require it. In the case of the models we use at work, we are trading fidelity for understanding.?

The danger in models is assuming they are complete solutions. Their simplification is a scaled representation of reality, not a replica. We cannot trust the model more than our observations of the true reality. We must not try to mold the situation to the model, but instead modify the model to mimic the situation. Otherwise, the model becomes a crutch – an excuse or even a justification for lazy thinking. At that point, the value of the tool is lost.

Use models and understand them deeply to see both their applications and their flaws. If you don’t see both, be careful not to rely on them too much.

It’s Your Turn

Please share your thoughts in the comments. What do you think about the usefulness of models?

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A version of this article first appeared in our blog.

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