Mental Models For Managing Change - The Influence Model

The Inner Game of Change

Hi everyone, and 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.

Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly cover what a mental model actually is.

A mental model is simply a way of thinking — a framework that helps us understand the world, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively. Think of it like a blueprint for how to approach challenges and navigate complexity.

Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you are driving to a new destination. Without a map, you could easily take wrong turns, waste time, or even get lost. But with a map — your mental model — you have a clear route to follow, helping you avoid mistakes and arrive faster and with far less stress.

In the same way, mental models give us a clearer path when managing change. They help us break down complexity, anticipate obstacles, and guide us toward better outcomes.

And today, we’re diving into a mental model that sits at the heart of successful change initiatives: The Influence Model.

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Mental Models (00:00:00)

2. The Influence Model Explained (00:01:35)

3. Four Key Levers for Lasting Change (00:03:06)

4. Real-World Application Examples (00:04:59)

5. Actionable Steps to Implement Today (00:06:54)

6. Challenge and Episode Closing (00:08:00)