Avoid Miscommunication With The Ladder Of Inference

Challenge Assumptions. Communicate Clearly. Respond Wisely. Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “How did that go so wrong?” Chances are, you (or the other person) were climbing the Ladder of Inference. The Ladder of Inference is a model that explains how we move (often unconsciously) from observing something, to interpreting it, to drawing conclusions and taking action. The problem? This process is often so fast and automatic that we don’t stop to question the assumptions we’re basing our actions on. In the workplace, this can lead to misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and poor decisions. This course helps you slow down and reflect on your thinking, so you can avoid jumping to conclusions and instead respond with clarity and purpose. You’ll learn to spot when you (or someone else) is reacting based on assumptions rather than facts—and how to gently challenge that thinking to improve conversations and outcomes. You’ll learn how to: • Understand and apply each step of the Ladder of Inference • Recognise your own cognitive biases and mental shortcuts • Pause before reacting, especially in difficult conversations • Ask better questions and uncover what’s really going on • Build stronger working relationships by communicating more thoughtfully This is a practical, no-nonsense course for professionals who want to sharpen their communication, reduce unnecessary conflict, and make better decisions based on clearer thinking.