Model Thinking

In Short

Apply diverse mental models to make better decisions
Best for: Coursera model thinking course materials
Model Thinking is a structured tool for coaching and facilitation. Apply diverse mental models to make better decisions. It provides a repeatable framework that can be adapted to individual, team, and leadership development contexts.
Type of tool: Coursera model thinking course materials
Expected outcomes:
- Improved ability to apply diverse mental models to make better decisions
- A concrete action or development plan to take forward from the Model Thinking process

In Detail

Model Thinking is a structured framework designed to help coaches, leaders, and facilitators apply diverse mental models to make better decisions. It sits within the category of Coursera model thinking course materials, making it particularly useful for practitioners working on capability development, team performance, and individual growth in organisational settings.

In practice, Model Thinking is delivered as a 5-step process. The process begins by introduce Scott Page's model thinking approach: use multiple models to see a situation from different angles. The session closes by use the ensemble to make a more nuanced decision. The structured approach ensures that participants move through a consistent experience while leaving room for the facilitator to adapt pacing and depth to the group's needs.

Model Thinking provides a shared vocabulary that persists beyond the session itself. When team members reference the same model in day-to-day work, coaching outcomes become embedded in practice rather than remaining as isolated insights from a single workshop.

How to Use

1. Introduce Scott Page's model thinking approach: use multiple models to see a situation from different angles. 2. For a given problem, apply at least three different models. 3. Compare what each model predicts or reveals. 4. Identify where models agree (higher confidence) and where they diverge (greater uncertainty). 5. Use the ensemble to make a more nuanced decision.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Provides a shared vocabulary that persists after the session and supports ongoing conversations Structured approach ensures consistent application across different cohorts and contexts Directly addresses the challenge of apply diverse mental models to make better decisions through a proven conceptual structure	Risk of over-applying the model — not all situations fit neatly into any single framework Conceptual frameworks require skilled facilitation to connect theory to participants' actual work Some models have limited research evidence; practitioners should be transparent about this

Created by Scott Page (University of Michigan / Coursera)

When to Use

This tool is suited to the following coaching and facilitation contexts:

Context	Relevant
Individual Coaching	✓
Team Coaching	✓
Leadership Development
Facilitation / Workshop
Online / Virtual

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