PARADIGM MAPPING
Paradigm Mapping is a problem-solving process of communicating to a person or group their unconscious paradigms.
Mental maps (governing paradigms) are the conceptual frameworks (models) we all naturally build (often unconsciously) in our minds to give order, meaning and direction to experience. A mental map governs all the choices occurring within the terrain (situations, interactions, events) represented by the map.
Using A Mental Map
When a new situation arises, a previously-developed mental map defines this new situation. The old mental map is projected onto the new situation. A selected old map now defines how its owner deals with the new situation, determining reactions within this new situation, and even setting the new terrain's boundaries. In other words, the old map defines the new terrain and how its owner travels through it.
The map may be a good match with the actual territory, making it very useful, or it may be like following an L. A. city map to hike through Yellowstone Park, making the map totally useless or even dangerous.
The Problem
There often are some cantankerous problems in our lives that seem to resist any kind of resolution. These kinds of problems use up an enormous amount of our time, energy and other resources. When we address these problems, they look like they can be solved, that they should be solved, and that it shouldn't be hard to find a solution. Nonetheless, they keep staring us in the face, unresolved and blocking our path.
"When searching for the solution to a seemingly unresolvable problem, people typically never consider the hidden rules that led to the problem in the first place."
Visualizing The Map
To map a paradigm, a visual representation of a person's or group's mental map is constructed in front of them. Using quickly-made drawings with accompanying notation, and using continual input from the intended audience, what is typically unconscious is brought into awareness. Also, showing someone their mental map always changes their mental map, the terrain they travel in what is represented by their map, and the choices they make when using their map.
New Maps/New Choices
When someone sees their mental map, it always changes their map. And when people have new maps, they make different choices.
What I call this process of visualizing someone's governing mental models or mental maps is Paradigm Mapping. The word Paradigm is derived from a Greek word meaning map. This is a process of mapping out a person's or organization's governing principles.
