Key Terms

Agents
Our fast thinking system makes it difficult for people to see the actors or human agents who make decisions and affect outcomes in complex systems like the economic or environmental health systems. The solution is to show the humans whose decisions and actions made this problem and the humans that can fix this problem. This is called naming agents.

Extrinsic values
Extrinsic values are when what matters most, or the principles that guide our decisions are centered on external approval or rewards and losses. For example, social power, money, or concern about image. Extrinsic values tend to focus on the individual.

Frames
Frames are both a) ‘prepackaged’ mental models that help us to make sense of ideas and b) communication tools that evoke these mental models. Frames act as guides directing people where to look and how to interpret what they see. Every message or communication is presented through a frame.

Intrinsic
Intrinsic values are when what matters most, or the principles that guide our decisions, are centered on internal or collective rewards and losses, for example, care for others or connection with nature. Intrinsic values tend to focus on the collective.

Mindset/ Mental Model
We all use mental shortcuts to make sense of the world that we live in. Over time we create shared understandings of how the world works. These are known as shared mental models or mindsets. We are usually not conscious of these deep mental models/ mindsets but they underpin how we interact, influence how we consume information, and impact the decisions and actions we take.

Metaphors
Metaphors are a simplifying explanatory strategy that connects an abstract concept to a concrete or known concept. They help people quickly grasp a better, deeper explanation for complex issues. For example “our homes have a job to do”.

Narratives
Narratives are patterns of words, images and stories found across our culture. They  capture preexisting or shared understandings about the world and influence our thinking. For example, Individualism is a narrative that is embedded in many different communications that explains problems as resulting from a lack of individual effort and solutions as about individual effort or choice (and obscures the way system settings limit and shape what choices individuals have).

Surfacing
The process by which mental models, helpful/unhelpful thinking, or values are brought to the fore of people’s thinking.

Values
Values are what matters most to us in life, guiding principles. They are at the heart of our human motivations. They guide our behaviours, attitudes and how we understand the world.

Zero-sum game
This is a narrative in which people understand, often at a subconscious level, that more for one group means less for me and mine. It can prevent people from seeing that there are solutions that benefit us all collectively.