Mental Models For Managing Change - Second Order Thinking

The Inner Game of Change

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 this episode, we explore a mental model that invites us to look beyond the immediate impact of change: Second-Order Thinking.

So often, change initiatives are shaped around what we expect to happen next. But in reality, change rarely follows a straight line — and first-order decisions often lead to second and third-order consequences we did not anticipate.

Second-Order Thinking encourages us to slow down and ask better questions — “And then what?” It helps us move beyond short-term fixes and consider the ripple effects, unintended outcomes, and longer-term dynamics our decisions might set in motion.

If you have ever implemented a change that worked on paper but created new challenges in practice, or if you are aiming to lead change that truly lasts, this episode offers a practical lens to deepen your thinking and strengthen your strategy.

Listen now to discover how Second-Order Thinking can help you lead change with foresight, clarity, and intention.

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Chapters

1. Mental Models For Managing Change - Second Order Thinking (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Mental Models (00:00:09)

3. Second-Order Thinking Explained (00:01:18)

4. Practical Applications in Change Management (00:03:12)

5. Three Ways to Practice (00:05:12)

6. Weekly Challenge and Next Episode (00:06:05)