Argyris’ Ladder of Inference

Picture a ladder. Each rung of the ladder represents a step toward inference. We begin on the bottom rung with reality and facts or data. Are you as acutely aware as I am that we have more information at our fingertips than we can ever use? Therefore, we must take the next step on the ladder by selecting which available data we will use. Step two is selected data/reality.

The next step we take is to affix meaning to the limited data we have selected. In other words, we interpret the data. Then we make assumptions about the data. From our assumptions we draw conclusions about what we assume. Then our conclusions lead to beliefs, and our beliefs lead to actions. Of course, if on any step along the ladder we are incorrect, we will be led astray.

This model of how people process information is an invaluable help to relationships, leadership, and decision making across the board. In addition to these initial seven steps, it is also obvious that it is self-reinforcing. For example, our beliefs will naturally influence the data we select. Now we are in a feedback loop that reinforces itself regardless of the truth.

Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone was intrigued with the speaker except for one person? Regardless of the attentiveness of everyone else, all you can see is the restlessness of the one. You have already selected data from all of the available information. Then you affix the meaning that this person is not interested in what is being said. Therefore you conclude that she disagrees with the speaker. Now your belief about her leads to actions that may cause you to either confront her about it or to tell others what you know.

But what if she was distracted by something that had just happened? What if she received a text when you weren’t watching and was merely staying put out of respect? How does that change the reality? This is a poor oversimplification, but isn’t it obvious that we do this sort of inferring every day? And isn’t it dangerous to walk up this ladder too quickly or with limited information?

What Are the Questions?

If you are bothering to read this, then you know the kinds of things writers and speakers come up with, including those who think nothing should change. Some argue for a collective model of relational community where justice reigns and we all live like the book of Acts describes with “having all things in common.” Some suggest a postmodern, emergent model that will make room for the angst of the generations of young people and adults alike who have no room for absolute truth. Others suggest the house church model where we find accountability and acceptance in a double handful of close-knit relationships.

Still others advocate a multi-site, multi-plex, mega marvel with thousands in attendance in locations all over town, or even all over the globe. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that any of those are not valid expressions of the church. What I am so afraid of is that whatever our solution is today, we will have a single choice of one of only two options: We will either institutionalize our current solutions into just another tradition among so many, or we will find our solutions temporary at best.

With something as universal and as all-embracing as the gospel, do we need to have it nailed? And if we do nail it down, won’t it fall off within ten years anyway? In a culture where the latest technologies and advancements are passé within a few years or even a few months, do we need to have it carved into stone tablets? Or do we need it written on our hearts which are pliable and open?

What I have observed in our community is that not all answers apply to all people. What I have observed often in the larger church world is that we are answering questions no one is asking any more. So, not only do the answers change, but maybe the questions change on a regular basis too. If that is the case, then what if we’re asking the wrong questions?

Now I have a friend who wonders if “wrong questions” even exist. He asks, “Aren’t all questions good questions?” In my experience, no. As mentioned before questions that no one else are asking may be useless. Also, it depends on when and where you stop asking and start answering. What if your assumptions with which you begin are skewed? Won’t that lead us to ask wrong questions?

For help here, it would be wise to look at the Ladder of Inference developed by author and Harvard Business School Professor Emeritus Chris Argyris. You can watch a short video of the concept here. Or you can read about it extensively here or here.

I will try to summarize it. But do some research for yourself. It will be important that you understand this concept as we journey together.