1.5 - About University

E XAMPLES OF SINGLE- AND DOUBLE- L OOP LEARNINGSingle-looplearningCruise control example• A given speed is set: the goal.• A feedback loop connects actual speed with thecontrol of fuel flow into the engine.• Speed oscillates near a fixed point.• The cruise control blindly controls the speed.Leadership example• Goals are set.• The goals are accepted as given, and performancemanagement processes assess work donetoward these established goals.• Effort oscillates near the goals.Double-looplearning• A starting speed is set.• If conditions do not change, the cruise controlblindly controls the speed.• But the goal is not static: As driving conditionschange, the speed setting is adjusted to reflect anew goal (e.g., an increased emphasis on safety).• Starting goals are set.• The environment is continually scanned. If conditionsdo not change, the initial goals remain.• As conditions change, goals are adjusted orchanged entirely to reflect the new conditions.H OW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL“You gotta know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em…”—Kenny Rogers’ song, “THE GAMBLER”Double-loop learning challenges work habits, assumptions, and ways of understanding theworld. This does not mean, however, that single-loop learning is not more valuable in certainsituations. For example, Thomas Edison’s struggle to invent the light bulb and the Wrightbrothers’ persistence in creating a heavier-than-air flying machine both required staying thecourse (i.e., single-loop learning). At other times, however, double-loop learning is more appropriateand takes more courage. For example, a leader publicly admits that due to changing circumstances,a much-valued goal has proven to be unfeasible, or that a deadline cannot beachieved without an increased risk to employee safety.WEB WORKSHEETUse the space provided to make notes on which learning process—single- or double-loop—bestapplies to the specific goals you are presently working to achieve. In addition to challengingyou to think through your existing learning process, this exercise will help you hone your skillsfor working with future goals and decision processes.List one or two goals that you intend to stick with over the next few months, regardless of the feedback you have beenreceiving.432 SECTION 14 TOOLS FOR LEARNING