their businesses and have effectively extended these basics with
their unique versions of learning.
In his book The Fifth Discipline,Peter Senge illustrates the
dilemmas of events and how they can dominate thought and
action if they remain unexamined.^3 The following learning cycle,
inspired by Senge’s work, is suggested for learning leaders.
The knowing stage is the first in a four-stage process that con-
tributes to systems thinking. Figure 17.2 illustrates the four-stage
learning cycle, which in turn defines some of the behaviors per-
formed by learning leaders. Learning leaders are curious, restless,
and energized by action. They see almost every opportunity as hav-
ing a learning possibility. They have integrated a learning attitude
into their being. Learning is truly a way of leading for them.
Knowingis all about facts, figures, events, and data. Knowing is
about how, what, where, and when, and it is vital. Knowing
becomes knowledge, which is an essential element in the learning
cycle. It is also a phase where many people stop: the world is full of
knowers.
188 LEADINGORGANIZATIONALLEARNING
- Learning
Applying assumptions
Changing assumptions - Understanding
Seeing patterns - Knowing
Events, facts, figures,
and data - Thinking
Creating assumptions
Figure 17.2 The Four-Stage Learning Cycle