This infographic blends two powerful ideas:
👉 The Ladder of Conclusions on the left—how we move from raw data to final judgments
👉 And the emotional helix on the right—reminding us that feelings and reactions are just as influential as logic in shaping what we believe to be true.
In conversations, especially tough ones, we often think we’re being rational. But underneath, emotions and assumptions are already shaping the story we tell ourselves.
Strong leadership requires two kinds of awareness:
➡️ Cognitive Awareness
Am I interpreting data fairly? What assumptions am I layering on?
➡️ Emotional Awareness
What’s happening in my body? What emotion is driving my response?
Before responding, ask yourself:
✔️ What am I reacting to?
✔️ What data might I be ignoring?
✔️ What else could be true?
✔️ Clarity doesn’t just come from logic—it comes from integrating emotion, curiosity, and reflection.
Great leaders don’t just climb the ladder—they learn when to climb down.
