Outlearning the Wolves: Surviving and Thriving in a Learning Organization - Softcover

Hutchens, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1883823242 ISBN 13: 9781883823245

Publisher: Pegasus Communications, 1998

Synopsis

Organizations around the world today are struggling to stay ahead of the pack. With its fanciful illustrations and deliciously wicked humor, Outlearning the Wolves is the story of an organization that might resemble yours--complete with bad habits, nagging vulnerabilities, and resignation to the status quo.

A flock of sheep, fearful of the wolves' mythical cleverness, is initially debilitated by fragmentation and false assumptions.

But as the sheep build a culture for learning, the contributions of each individual are utilized in strikingly new and productive ways. By working together, the flock develops the capability for dramatic learning that ensures it can thrive while facing fresh challenges.

Outlearning the Wolves presents a powerful metaphor for understanding the issues organizations face when they realize they must learn how to learn differently. Any organization seeking to build both a rewarding workplace and a thriving enterprise should introduce these ideas to every worker--from the front line to the boardroom.

Outlearning the Wolves is a unique resource for teachers and learners across a broad range of settings. Included is a concise guide to the story's essential points--a ready-made lesson outline, perfect for directing group learning.

About this title

About the Author

David Hutchens writes about organizations and management theory. He has consulted with major international companies in the areas of teams, leadership, learning, and complexity theory. David lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his new daughter Emory and his wife Robbie, a therapist who counsels families and children using the principles of systems theory.

The illustrator: Bobby Gombert illustrates books, greeting cards, and advertisements, and has won awards for his political cartoons. He lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Liana.

From the Back Cover

"A delightful parable on the nature of learning organizations."--Gareth Morgan, Author, Images of Organization

"A simple and appealing introduction to perhaps the most important yet perplexing possibility facing the modern corporation: how to learn."--Timothy Gallwey, Author, The Inner Game of Work

Organizations around the world today are struggling to stay ahead of the pack. With its fanciful illustrations and deliciously wicked humor, Outlearning the Wolves is the story of an organization that might resemble yours--complete with bad habits, nagging vulnerabilities, and resignation to the status quo.

A flock of sheep, fearful of the wolves' mythical cleverness, is initially debilitated by fragmentation and false assumptions.

But as the sheep build a culture for learning, the contributions of each individual are utilized in strikingly new and productive ways. By working together, the flock develops the capability for dramatic learning that ensures it can thrive while facing fresh challenges.

Outlearning the Wolves presents a powerful metaphor for understanding the issues organizations face when they realize they must learn how to learn differently.

Any organization seeking to build both a rewarding workplace and a thriving enterprise should introduce these ideas to every worker--from the front line to the boardroom.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Otto was saddened by the rest of the flocks' resignation to the wolves.

"I have a dream . . . " said Otto, perched on a hill where the rest of the flock could hear him. "I dream of a day when not another sheep will ever die to become the breakfast for a wolf."

"That is absurd," said Shep the sheep. "You cannot stop the wolf. Remember the inspiring words of our ancestors: 'The wolf will come, just as the sun will rise.' And also: 'Wolves. What jerks.'"

"Indeed, I believe we are to be commended," said another sheep. "For we have prospered beneath the shadow of the wolf. Just look at how many of us there are!"

This made Otto even sadder.

"As long as the wolf is present, our strong numbers tell us only a half-truth," said Otto. "We tell ourselves we are strong so we won't have to face up to the ways we are weak."

Otto continued: "We all say the wolf cannot be stopped. But how do we know this is true?"

A sheep named Curly answered, "It is true. Why, even the fence that surrounds us cannot keep the wolves away. At first, it stopped them. But they must have learned to jump over it. Wolves learn very quickly," Curly added.

"Then we must learn--even more quickly!" said Otto. "We must make learning an ongoing part of life in the flock. We will become a learning flock."

Edition details

• Publisher: Pegasus Communications
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1883823242
• ISBN 13: 9781883823245
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Gombert Bobby
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 64