are developed in the mind of the individuals then he starts linking these concepts to each
other. This evolves into a complex structure of concepts. According to Ausuble,
individual sees things by matching the newly gained information with the pre-existing
mental concepts and then fits it into those pre-existing structures in mind.
Applying the above concept we can say that the pre-existing models or concepts
in mind would prevent an individual from seeing things that actually exist and would
make him see i.e., perceive things which even may not exist. This emphasizes the role of
our pre-existing templates in generating ‘realities’ for us even if they do not exist. A
simple example of this is that at certain times when we are confronted with a problem
which we discuss with some one else he/she fails to see it. And the response we get may
express that it was not a problem at all. This could be explained with the fact that the
other individual has a different kind of mental models and therefore perceive that same
situation in a different way, giving a different response.
This means that if we are able to get out of these structures then we are able to see
things from a perspective other than our own. This will help us to develop a different
kind of approach which may have a far better result in our favor. At the same time if we
are able to perceive things from different perspectives, we may be able to create many
options to a situation, amongst which the most suitable could be selected.
According to Senge, if we are able to understand the structure and functioning of
the mental models that exist in our mind, we can leverage the power and opportunities
hidden in those structures. Senge has identified two “System Archetypes” that frequently
recur in one’s mind and from which other concepts are developed. These are:
- Archetypes 1-as limits to growth and
- Archetype 2- as shifting the burden.
- Archetype 1- Limits to growth : According to this concept by Senge, one should not
be pushed harder to make things happen. Instead we should let them take place at
their own pace and we should only try to remove hurdles in growth and progress.
Senge says that there is a reinforcement process that initiates growth, so we should try
to identify those reinforcement spirals (upward and downward) and should