Knowing contributes to understanding, which is the discovery
of patterns and form. The phrase “I’ve got it” often refers to the
discovery of a pattern that makes problem solving possible. Under-
standing also provides the person who gets it with more power. See-
ing patterns and relationships creates more power than can be
found in events, facts, and figures.
Understandingprovides the basis for deeper insight, which is
realized in the next phase as underlying assumptions are discovered.
The discovery and the articulation of assumptions reflect a deep-
ening of the learning process. This is the thinking stage. Thinking
is necessary for the next state, which is learning.
Learningis made possible by understanding, which leads to
underlying assumption framing. Learning can be thought of as
occurring at two levels. Level 1 learning is the transforming of
assumptions into effective actions that solve problems and create
value. Level 1 learning is demonstrated by leaders who translate
assumptions into enterprise-enriching actions. Level 2 learning is
performed by leaders who create and change the assumption and in
so doing change the rules of the game.
Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates are examples of learn-
ing leaders. These people took a solid knowledge base and through
significant actions extended their knowledge to innovative heights.
Dell changed the game in computer delivery systems. Jobs, of
Apple fame, used his knowledge to reframe the personal comput-
ing world. Gates extended knowing and dominated computing.
Each of these leaders demonstrated knowledge extension (action)
and the essence of being a learning leader.
Learning leaders play a vital role in shaping and moving knowl-
edge in organizations. The actual doing of learning levels 1 and 2
assumes that additional knowledge will be added to the knowledge
base. The expanded knowledge base will provide the support for
additional learning. People can and do lead from each of the four
positions. However, persons leading from learning behave quite dif-
ferently from persons leading from understanding or thinking (see
LEADING 189