Is Your Leadership Missing a Rung?
Houria Bellatif
Organizational Consultant | Leadership Coach | Workshop Facilitator | Practical Insights Speaker
How many decisions do you make each day based on assumptions? You probably don't even realize it—but those invisible filters might be shaping your leadership in ways you haven't considered. Every meeting, conversation, and strategic decision is influenced by something called the Ladder of Inference.
This concept, introduced by Chris Argyris and popularized by Peter Senge in The Fifth Discipline, allows us to check ourselves before we act on autopilot. It's time to challenge your assumptions—and walk down the ladder before it leads you astray.
?
Why Your Decisions Climb a Ladder, You Don't Even See
The Ladder of Inference is the mental process we all use, usually without realizing it, to jump from data to action. Here's how it works, step by step:
?
How Assumptions Derail Great Leadership
Assumptions aren't all bad—they help us process information quickly. But here's the problem: unexamined assumptions can lead us to wrong conclusions, poor decisions, and missed opportunities. The stakes are even higher in leadership, where decisions impact you and your entire team.
Picture this: You assume the quiet person in your meeting is disengaged, so stop asking for their input. But what if you took the time to ask them why they're quiet? Maybe they're a deep thinker who needs a different way to share their insights. You could be missing out on valuable contributions—all because of an assumption.
?
Stop and Ask: What Are My Assumptions?
Breaking free from assumptions starts with awareness. Think back to any decision you made last week—what assumptions were you carrying into that situation? How did they shape your actions?
To challenge your assumptions, try asking yourself these key questions:
?
Start Climbing Down the Ladder
The more you climb down the Ladder of Inference, the more thoughtful and effective your decisions will become. Here's how to do it:
?
The Role of Feedback in Challenging Assumptions
Feedback is one of the most valuable tools in challenging assumptions. Make feedback a regular part of your leadership practice. Encourage your team, peers, and mentors to share their perspectives openly—and listen. Their insights will provide you with new data that might change the way you think.
Create a culture where feedback isn't just welcome but sought after. When people feel safe giving you honest feedback, it adds another layer of information to help you refine your decision-making.
?One of the clients I worked with in the last few years faced declining morale and high turnover among its workforce. The leadership team assumed the issue was inadequate compensation, so they devised various financial incentives. But that didn't move the needle much. When they finally asked employees for feedback through skip-level meetings, Employee pulse surveys, etc., they discovered that the real problem was a lack of career development opportunities and recognition.
Once the leadership addressed these deeper issues, morale and retention improved significantly. It was a classic case of challenging initial assumptions to uncover the real cause of the problem.
?
Applying the Ladder of Inference in Leadership
The Ladder of Inference isn't just theory—it's a practical tool you can use daily to improve your leadership effectiveness. Here are some ways to apply it:
?
Challenge Yourself, Lead Differently
Assumptions are inevitable, but they don't have to be a blind spot in your leadership. The more you climb down the Ladder of Inference, the more clarity you'll have—and the more informed and impactful your decisions will be.
So, pause next time you're in a meeting or making a decision and ask yourself: What assumptions am I making? How are they shaping my actions? Embrace this journey down the ladder, and you'll find insights that transform your leadership.
?
?
Professional Coaching to Showcase Your Strengths : Goals Mindset / Confidence Builder / Fresh Perspective
5 个月Thanks, Houria, this is a structured way to think about why using varied input and feedback leads to better decisions.
Leadership & Career Coach | Transform Career Challenges into Growth Opportunities.
5 个月Great article, Houria Bellatif!
Senior Managing Director
5 个月Houria Bellatif Fascinating read. Thank you for sharing