To increase our objectivity, we must learn to switch off the mini-movies. Objectivity requires us to be mindful, present in the moment, and experiencing what is happening without judgment. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
We perceive through our senses a person, a situation or an event, and in an instant, we project our mental models – our fears, background and experiences – onto that perception. This often results in cognitive errors, which means we judge and respond incorrectly. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
One of the most powerful transformational catalysts is knowledge, new information, or logic that defies old mental models and ways of thinking. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
Sometimes our childhood experiences are emotionally intense, which can create strong mental models. These experiences and our assumptions about them are then reinforced in our memory and can continue to drive our behavior as adults. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
When there is a problem, always identify and evaluate your underlying assumptions that may be contributing to the problem or preventing you from seeing the problem clearly. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
To be an effective leader and make sound decisions, you must be able to gather data by seeking out diverse perspectives and be willing to consider points of view other than your own. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
We are not a victim of our emotions or thoughts. We can understand our triggers and use them as tools to help us respond more objectively. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
To be an objective leader means aligning your models with the needs of the organization. There is no question anymore that collaboration, seeking out diverse perspectives and developing new ways to look at challenges and opportunities, is a key leadership competency. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
Many high school students are under so much competitive pressure. They are sometimes taught that if they don’t have a 4.0 GPA, score in the 99th percentile on admissions tests, and demonstrate leadership in sports and participate in clubs, they won’t get into college anywhere. Even highly credentialed professionals get caught up in this. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
The truth is many of us have been socialized to think that if we are not the very best, if we are not at the top 1 percent of whatever it is we do, then we are not good enough. To reinforce this already pervasive mental model, society has established a competitive hierarchy for just about everything. Elizabeth Thornton Read Quote
