Shared vision is vital for the learning organization because it provides the focus and energy for learning. While adaptive learning is possible without vision, generative learning occurs only when people are striving to accomplish something that matters deeply to them. In fact, the whole idea of generative learning—expanding your ability to

Truly creative people use the gap between vision and current reality to generate energy for change.

The fundamental characteristic of the relatively unaligned team is wasted energy. Individuals may work extraordinarily hard, but their efforts do not efficiently translate to team effort. By contrast, when a team becomes more aligned, a commonality of direction emerges, and individuals’ energies harmonize. There is less wasted energy. In fact, a

Skillful managers learn to confront defensiveness without producing more defensiveness. They do so by self-disclosure and by inquiring into the causes of their own defensiveness. For example, they might say something such as, “I notice that I am feeling threatened by this new proposal. You may be also. Could you help me in seeing where this

POSSIBLE ATTITUDES TOWARD A VISION Commitment: Wants it. Will make it happen. Creates whatever “laws” (structures) are needed. Enrollment: Wants it. Will do whatever can be done within the “spirit of the law.” Genuine compliance: Sees the benefits of the vision. Does everything expected and more. Follows the “letter of the law.” “Good soldier.”

There are two distinct types of feedback processes: reinforcing and balancing.

Max de Pree, retired CEO of the Herman Miller furniture company, said his vision for Herman Miller was “to be a gift to the human spirit”—by which he meant not only Herman Miller’s products, but its people, its atmosphere, and its larger commitment to productive and aesthetic work environments.4

Balancing Inquiry and Advocacy.

Similarly, as the five component learning disciplines converge they will not create the learning organization but rather a new wave of experimentation and advancement.