The Ladder of Inference
So, you want to improve your communication to be more connected and understood…
In this post, we’ll share about a process called the “Ladder of Inference,” which offers valuable insights and strategies for improving our awareness and relational skills.
Developed by Harvard Professor Chris Argyris (now deceased), the Ladder of Inference is an analogy for the way we typically process information—usually without realizing it—leading all the way from observations to a decision or action. Here’s how it goes.
The rungs of the ladder
At the bottom of the ladder are observable “data” and “facts,” as a video might record it (e.g. we are speaking to a crowd, and one person is looking away).
Based on our prior beliefs and experiences, we select which data we attend to (e.g. the face of the person who is looking away).
From there, we add our interpretations of what that data means (e.g. they are bored).
Then, we apply our existing assumptions based on that meaning (e.g. “I am boring”).
From those assumptions, we draw conclusions (e.g. “I shouldn’t give talks anymore”).
From those conclusions, we can develop beliefs (e.g. “I am a bad speaker”).
At the top of the ladder, we make decisions and take actions that seem “right” because they are based on what we believe (e.g. we decide not to take a new opportunity to speak).
One insight to take from this process is that our self-generating beliefs often go untested—and even entirely unnoticed. We adopt our beliefs based on conclusions we make, which are interpreted from what we selectively observe, which is influenced by our past experiences.
This is problematic because:
We assume our beliefs are the truth
We assume the truth is obvious
We assume our beliefs are based on real data
We assume the data we select is the real data
How to use the ladder of inference
We can use the concept of the Ladder of Inference to improve our relational skills, by reflecting on and clarifying the source of our confusion, misunderstandings, or self-sabotaging beliefs.
Here are some questions you can use to reflect on and share in conversation:
When you said (your inference), I heard (my interpretation of it). Is that what you meant?
How did we get from this experience to these conclusions? Can we walk through our reasoning together?
And here are some additional questions that may support a deeper self-reflection and inquiry:
Why do I think this is the "right" thing to do/say?
Why have I chosen this course of action? Are there other actions I could have considered?
What belief led to that action? Was it well-founded?
Why did I draw that conclusion? Is the conclusion sound?
What am I assuming, and why? Is there a way for me to “fact check” those assumptions?
What data have I chosen to use and why? Have I selected data rigorously?
What are ALL of the facts in this situation? Are there other facts I could consider?
Following this step-by-step reasoning can lead you to better results, based on reality, and prevent unnecessary mistakes and conflict.
Want to examine your own personal “ladder” more closely? Nearly every moment of your life offers this space for exploration. So the next time you’re feeling something uncomfortable, try bringing to mind this image of a ladder, and work your way down to see how you got there.
~By Solomon Krueger