Psychological Mental Models

Are they just modern myths?

Mental models are frameworks that help us understand and navigate the complexities of the world. From time management to decision-making, these models can help to explain our behaviour (or our team).

From a psychodynamic perspective, these mental models can be seen as manifestations of deeper archetypal patterns that we share as a species, what Carl Jung called ‘the collective unconscious’ - you could say that these are our modern myths.

In this blog, I’m going to connect modern day mental models with archetypal myths and how coaching can help when you recognise one within you or your team.

Parkinson's Law: "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion."

From a Jungian perspective, this reflects the inner Saboteur archetype, which can hinder our efficiency and productivity. By recognizing and integrating this archetype, we can better manage our time and achieve our goals. This is reminiscent of the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only for it to roll back down each time.

How can coaching help: Coaching can explore these behaviours, consider what might be behind them, and create ways to address the challenge. These patterns were built out of, and in response to, the relationships you have with others, so challenging them can be done most powerfully with someone by your side. That partnership is the heart of my coaching practice.

Occam's Razor: "The simplest solution is usually the correct one."

Jung's principle of individuation encourages us to return to ‘beginner’s mind’ - strip away complexities that hold you back and look to see what’s really there. This aligns with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, where Theseus uses a simple ball of thread to navigate the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur.

How coaching can help: Coaching can assist in unravelling the knots that are in your mind - simplifying complex problems, helping you to focus on core issues and make more effective decisions. These patterns were built out of, and in response to, the relationships you have with others, so challenging them can be done most powerfully with someone by your side. That partnership is the heart of my coaching practice.

Dunning-Kruger Effect: When people overestimate their competence.

This can stem from a desire for certainty - not knowing is deeply uncomfortable for many people - so they would rather believe something, and act on it, than sit with not knowing. This cognitive bias can be seen as a manifestation of the Trickster archetype, leading to illusions of grandeur. The myth of Phaethon ( son of Helios) travels to see Helios, asking for the privilege of driving Helios’ chariot for a single day. Despite Helios' fervent warnings and attempts to talk him out of it, counting the numerous dangers he would face in his celestial journey and reminding Phaethon that only he can control the horses, the boy is not dissuaded and does not change his mind. He is then allowed to take the chariot's reins; his ride is disastrous, as he cannot keep a firm grip on the horses. As a result, he drives the chariot too close to the Earth, burning it.

How coaching can help: Coaching can provide a space for reflection and encourage self-awareness, helping you to recognise and overcome cognitive biases. However, the trickster is not bad - combine this with awareness and self-reflection, and you may find the trickster enabled something new to emerge.These patterns were built out of, and in response to, the relationships you have with others, so challenging them can be done most powerfully with someone by your side. That partnership is the heart of my coaching practice.

Medici Effect: “Innovation happens at the intersection of different ideas and disciplines.”

We have developed a way of thinking that relies on expertise and logic - so organisations can end up creating products and services broadly similarly (they are deducing from the same information).

So how do you get innovation at the intersection of ideas and disciplines? Don’t assume the rules / system is fixed.

Who or what are not the logical choices? What perspective could they bring? From a Jungian view, this reflects the Syzygy archetype—the union of opposites. By embracing diverse perspectives, we achieve a more integrated and creative self. This can be likened to the myth of Prometheus, who brought fire (knowledge and innovation) to humanity, symbolising the fusion of divine and mortal realms.

How coaching can help: Coaching can foster creativity by encouraging the exploration of diverse ideas and perspectives. The union of opposites is a key path in my professional career - I have an arts degree and an engineering one, so can help you explore both sides. Building an integrative mindset is built out of, and in response to, the relationships you have with others, so challenging them can be done most powerfully with someone by your side. That partnership is the heart of my coaching practice.

When we consider that these patterns were built out of, and in response to, the relationships you have with others, challenging them can be done most powerfully with someone by your side. That partnership is the heart of my coaching practice.

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