The Next Next Common Sense
10. Balance Consistency and Adaptation
Organizations need enough consistency in mental models to enable coordinated action, but enough diversity and adaptability to respond to changing conditions. Finding this balance is an ongoing leadership challenge. Pixar maintains this balance by combining a consistent creative pro- cess (the "Pixar Brain Trust") with the freedom for each film team to develop its own approach. This creates a shared mental model about how creative work happens while allowing for diversity in how stories are con- ceived and developed. By following these guidelines, leaders can create environments where diverse mental models become a source of organizational strength rather than conflict or confusion. CF oounnc lduastiioonn: oMf eCnot ha le rMe ondt eAl sc tai so nt h e In a world of increasing complexity and rapid change, the ability to navigate diverse mental models has become a fundamental leadership capability. This capability isn't about imposing a single correct view but about creating conditions where different perspectives can productively interact to generate more robust understanding and action. Mental models aren't just interesting psychological concepts—they're the foundation of coherent action in complex environments. They deter- mine what information we notice, how we interpret it, what possibilities we imagine, and ultimately what actions we take. By respecting mental models—both yours and others'—you create the conditions for: 1. More effective collaboration : When team members understand different perspectives, they can leverage diverse insights rather than talking past each other.
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