Mental models are deeply ingrained assumptions, generalizations, or images.
These are usually a result of our interpretations of some past event. The assumptions influence how we understand what is happening in the world and how we take action to respond. When these interpretations are held by individuals we call them mental models, when held by organizations or societies we generally refer to them as paradigms. The insidious thing about them is that for the most part it never occurs to people that they are operating within them. Uncovering them provides real access to personal empowerment and thus organizational empowerment.