The Invisible Map
What is a Mental Model?
An internal map of the world that one has running inside their head, which shapes how they see things, make decisions, and lead
What is the motto of Gerstell Academy?
Leadership, Honor, Courage
Provide Gerstell Academy's core definition for "Leadership."
"The art of positively influencing others to unite in a common direction and guiding them to improve themselves and their community"
Define "Diversity" within a team context.
Diversity is the presence of differences within a team, including background, experience, and skills.
Which of the Five Academic Areas of Leadership focuses on understanding human behavior to better lead others?
Adolescent Psychology
How are mental models primarily formed or "installed"?
Mental models can be "installed" by our experiences and upbringing, or deliberately constructed from the inside.
A mission statement primarily answers which questions?
What do we do right now, and for whom?
Which of the following is one of the Seven Functional Areas of Leadership Development at Gerstell?
a) Public Speaking
b) Financial Literacy
c) Self-Awareness
d) Team Sports
Self-Awareness
Creating an environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and heard is best defined as what?
Inclusion
Name one of the Seven Functional Areas of Leadership Development at Gerstell.
Self-Awareness, Academics, Coaching (mentoring), Reading, Adversity / Challenges / Opportunity, Leadership Observation, or Leadership Experience
The "Ladder of Inference" is a tool that helps us understand how we do what?
The "Ladder of Inference" is a tool that helps us understand how we form beliefs and conclusions based on selected data and assumptions.
In your own words, what is the main difference between a motto and a mission statement?
A motto encapsulates guiding beliefs or ideals and is about what you believe, while a mission statement is a short, action-oriented statement defining an organization's current and primary purpose, grounded in the present, about what you do.
Name two of the Five Academic Areas of Leadership at Gerstell.
Any two of:
Traditional Leadership
History
Environmental Science
Adolescent Psychology
or Comparative Religions/Cultures.
When does "Tokenization" occur in the context of diversity efforts?
Tokenization occurs when individuals are included "merely as examples of a demographic cross-section," serving to "tick off a box" rather than for the genuine value of their "unique perspectives".
This is insufficient for true inclusion.
What is 'double-loop coaching,' and what are its three components?
Double-loop coaching is a specific type of coaching to continuously improve mental models. It involves Reflection, Reframing, and Redesigning.
Describe a "growth mindset" in the context of a student receiving a C+ grade, as discussed in class.
A student with a "growth mindset" would see a C+ grade as a data point for improvement, focusing on figuring out what went wrong and trying a different study strategy for the next test, rather than concluding they are "just not a math person"
Provide the definition for a "Vision Statement."
A vision statement is a future-oriented, inspirational declaration about long-term goals.
What is the Gerstell Academy Leadership Principle that emphasizes accountability?
Principle 8: "Take full responsibility for your actions and their consequences"
Which Gerstell Academy Leadership Principle is specifically linked to fostering diversity and inclusion?
Principle #3: "Treat others as you want to be treated"
What is a slogan primarily used for, as defined in the "Mottos & Slogans" lesson?
A slogan is primarily used for marketing and promotion.
List the seven steps of the Ladder of Inference.
1. Observe Data, 2. Select Data, 3. Add Meanings, 4. Make Assumptions, 5. Draw Conclusions, 6. Adopt Beliefs, 7. Take Actions
When analyzing an organization's mission statement, what reframing question can help us better identify the "unique" aspect?
Instead of asking "What makes them unique?", a more effective question is: "If this organization disappeared, what would be lost that no one else provides in the same way?"
What does the acronym "LEADERSHIP" represent in the context of Gerstell Academy's Leadership Attributes?
The acronym LEADERSHIP outlines key Leadership qualities:
Listen
Express Appreciation
Action
Do the Right Thing
Example
Resourcefulness
Sincerity
Hope
Instruct others
Perseverance
Why do teams with different types of people, skills, and backgrounds often succeed?
Such teams often succeed by bringing different perspectives and more ideas, allowing them to solve more types of problems.
What is the key difference between "single-loop learning" and "critical learning" (or "double-loop learning") in the context of mental models?
Single-loop learning operates within an existing mental model, following established rules or procedures.
Critical learning (also known as "double-loop learning") involves challenging and changing the mental model itself as you gain experiences, requiring a willingness to "unlearn" biases and make major improvements.