Mental Models For Managing - Map vs. Territory

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.

In our last episode, we explored Leverage Points — how small, well-placed actions can shift entire systems. We talked about where change managers should be scanning for influence — not just solving problems, but shifting the conditions that create them.

Today, we pivot to a model that pairs beautifully with that: Map vs. Territory.

But first — if you’re just joining us, a quick reminder of what this mini-series is all about.
 A mental model is a way of seeing — a thinking framework that helps us interpret complexity, make better decisions, and lead change more thoughtfully.

And just like any map, the clearer our model, the more confidently we can move through uncertainty.

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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