Ladders of Abstraction

First, one observes something i.e., a behavior, a conversation, etc., and that becomes the bottom rung of a ladder. One then applies his or her own theories to the observation. That results in the next rung on the ladder. Subsequent rungs on the ladder are assumptions we make, conclusions we draw, beliefs we come to have about the world, and finally the action we decide to take. As we climb farther up the ladder, we are becoming more abstract in our thoughts.

Jane's Belief: This professor is prejudiced against woman.

Conclusions: Jane concludes the professor picks on her because she is a woman.

Selective Data: Jane feels criticized.

Observable Data: "Jane your performance is not up to standard," says the professor.

 

Scenario: Getting feedback on a paper from  a professor  who didn't like the paper  the student wrote. The student likes his paper

What I’m thinking/feeling What is said
Student: Why am I here, this is stupid.. Student: I’m confused about this meeting, Professor
  Professor: I wanted to review your paper and the assignment.
Student: I don’t see what the big deal is, I think the paper is fine Student: What’s your concern?
  Professor: Your argumentation is weak. I want you to review these theories.
Student: The Prof. is so demanding, I wish this is over. Student: uh, huh….

Your subordinate, Bill, makes a terrible presentation. Not discussing the undiscussable.

Left-hand column
(What I'm thinking)		 Right-hand column
(What was said.)
Everyone says the presentation was a bomb. Me: How did the presentation go?
Does he really not know how bad it was? Bill: Well, I don't know. It's really too early to tell. Besides, we're breaking new ground here.

Me: Well, what do you think we should do? I believe that the issues you were raising are important.
He really is afraid to see the truth. If he only had more confidence, he could probably learn from a situation like this.

I can't believe he doesn't realize how disastrous that presentation was to our moving ahead.

Bill: I'm not so sure. Let's just wait and see what happens.
I've got to find some way to light a fire under this the guy. Me: You may be right, but I think we may need to do more than just wait. (Senge, 1990, pp. 196)