CENTER FOR APPLIED
THEORY OF MIND
Social Perspective Taking, Gaining, Shifting & Shaping
Mentalization-Based Performance
When a human and a dog join in attention, they are able to read each other's intentions, to a certain extent. Whether a dog takes our mental states into consideration we can only speculate, but as humans, we definitely think about what is going on inside the minds of others.​​​​ This is called theory of mind reasoning, and it is this "mentalizing" ability that best captures what it is to be a sentient human.
Mentalization is the most powerful social tool that we have at our disposal to understand ourselves and others, and to address fundamental performance issues.
What is holding me back?​​
Vague objectives?
Lack of motivation?
Gaps in skills?
Inefficient time management?
Why is my team underperforming?​​
Communication breakdowns?
Collaboration issues?
Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities?
Conflict and morale issues?
Why is my organization underperforming?
Misalignment of goals and strategies?
Failure to align resources with needs?
Leadership shortcomings?
Resistance to change?​​
WELCOME
We specialize in mentalization-based performance
Understanding yourself and others requires a true mentalistic approach, which means that you take, gain, shift and shape perspectives based on mental states, such as desires, beliefs and intentions, instead of non-mentalistic shortcuts, especially at times when situations are confusing, ambivalent, or consequential.
​Our clients need to use a true mentalistic approach as they perform in social environments where understanding, explaining and predicting behavior are critical for success.
We operate in the following systems
Individual System (Personal Performance)
The focus is on enhancing core self-evaluations (CSE) (self-efficacy, self-esteem, emotional stability and internal locus of control). This is done through intrapersonal mentalization on the basic and affective level.
Team System (Group Dynamics)
In this system the focus is on building collective mental understanding and strength to enhance cooperation and facilitate conflict resolution. This is done through interpersonal mentalization for teams on the basic and affective level.
Organizational System (Workplace/Institutional Performance)
Here the focus is on shaping organizational culture, leadership and mentally-healthy high-performance environments. This is done through interpersonal and extrapersonal mentalization on the basic, affective and strategic level.
Societal System (Broader Social Context)
In this system the focus is on addressing external pressures and cultural expectations that impact performance.
This is done through extrapersonal mentalizing on a strategic level.
Support System (Interpersonal Networks)
Here the focus is on connecting with and supporting coaches, mentors, leaders, managers, peers, etc. This is done through applied mentalization awareness and training.
Our approach has the following impact
Personal/Corporate
Social Agency and Agentic Power
Our approach enhances our client’s ability to initiate and maintain action plans, while acting independently of the constraining power of social structure.
Personal/Corporate Psychological Safety
Our course of action also promotes psychological safety: the safety to take risks, to express ideas, to raise questions and concerns, and to admit mistakes — all without fear of negative repercussions.​
Personal/Corporate
Social embeddedness
Additionally the aim of our approach is to enhance social embeddedness by finding trustworthy and competent affiliative partners, by enabling early detection of, and social distancing from, dishonest or malevolent actors and to limit unethical competitive behavior.
Personal/Corporate
Effective Intentional Communication
Finally, our methodology aims to enhance purposeful and strategic communication that is fundamental to our client’s professional existence and success.
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