Orange County NC Website
11 <br /> Mr. Goodman defined Mental Models as habits of thought, the stories we tell ourselves. They <br /> are those beliefs, assumptions, and models we have are about every aspect of ourselves, <br /> others, our organizations, and how the world works. <br /> - They are critical to our effectiveness <br /> - They affect how we think and how we act <br /> - They may be conscious, or unconscious; they can get us into trouble <br /> - It's easier to see others' mental models and harder to see our own <br /> - They are always incomplete and often flawed <br /> - They are high leverage <br /> Examples of Mental Models include beliefs we treat as facts, such as: <br /> • "The only way anything changes around here is when our senior leaders change it." <br /> • "Learning is what we do outside of work." <br /> • "Home prices will always rise." <br /> Mental Models Exercise <br /> Small groups identified and shared at their table the mental models at play that could be barriers <br /> to change or improvement related to their issue. What are the mindsets that have perpetuated <br /> the current situation? <br /> Belief-Action-Results (BAR) Maps <br /> Mr. Goodman explained the cycle of Beliefs—Actions—Results, noting it could be a positive or a <br /> negative outcome. He provided a negative example of how the BAR Map works: <br /> "Staff meetings are a waste of time."[Mental Model or Belief] <br /> Therefore, I or we... "Don't really fully participate or contribute." [Action or Behavior] <br /> Which leads to... Decisions don't get made, real issues never get brought up [Results or <br /> Outcomes] <br /> Team Exercise #4: <br /> In small groups, participants worked on Belief-Action-Results Maps for one of the Mental <br /> Models identified in the previous exercise. <br /> It's not the responsibility of the government— it's a charity act Mental Model <br /> Therefore... less reliance on the government— not asking people what they want <br /> Which leads to nothing changing <br /> Introduction to what we know about hunger in Orange County & an introduction to the current <br /> programs to address it <br /> Ashley Heger, Food Council Coordinator <br /> Ms. Heger opened her presentation by emphasizing the importance of a "both/and approach" — <br /> both addressing short-term needs and using a systems thinking mindset for systemic change. <br /> How is hunger being addressed in Orange County: <br /> 1. Federal Nutrition Services & School Meals <br /> SNAP, WIC, Senior vouchers, Free & Reduced Lunch & Universal free school <br /> breakfast <br /> 2. Outside Agency Funding <br /> Supporting existing and emerging food access programs <br /> 3. Nonprofit Services <br /> Food pantries and meal deliveries; cross sector collaboration and emergency <br /> services <br /> School Systems <br />