How to Understand the Origin of Our Beliefs

A Self-Awareness Trifold to Build Empathy During Political Upheaval 

By building self-awareness, organizations can reduce stress, improve understanding, and create more respectful team interactions—without asking employees to agree, only to reflect.

A Self Awareness Trifold to Build Empathy, Reduce Stress, and Support a More Civil Workplace

Why This Matters

Misunderstandings and conflict often arise when people jump to conclusions without examining the full picture. When employees understand how they think, they are better equipped to pause, listen, and respond with empathy rather than react defensively.

This resource gives HR a neutral, educational tool to support civility without taking political positions.

What’s Included

The Ladder of Inference
  • Explains how we move from data to assumptions to beliefs
  • Helps employees recognize why we jump to conclusions
  • Encourages reviewing all available information before acting
Kolb’s Learning Theory Model
  • Explores how experiences shape beliefs and perspectives
  • Helps employees understand where others may be coming from
  • Supports respectful dialogue across differences
Who This Is For
  • HR teams supporting civility and psychological safety
  • Leaders navigating sensitive conversations
  • Organizations addressing tension, stress, or polarization
  • Employees seeking better communication tools

The Outcome

This trifold helps teams slow down their thinking, build empathy, and engage more respectfully creating a calmer, more thoughtful workplace culture rooted in understanding rather than assumption.