# Double Loop Learning more than doubles the change *How to teach smart people how to change, learn and grow.* ## Sources: Chris Argrys & Don Schon identified single and double loop learning as behavioral processes that allow learning. Action Science: People espouse theories of how they act and these are different than how the actually act. You can attempt learning in changing how people act [[🐓 Idea Farm/🌿 Ideas/single loop learning]]with pressure, but this doesn't usually persist. Instead you must change thinking behind those actions [[Double Loop Learning more than doubles the learning]], by exposing the gap between the individuals espoused theory and actual practice. Goal of [[Inquiry]]: Expose and close gap between _theory in use_ and _theory in action_ and allow organization or individual to craft methods of closing this gap and testing those methods. ## Single Loop Learning: Identifying problems and solving them - professionals are particularly good at this - professionals have been taught they are good at this (high compensation, earning degrees, etc) - when faced with challenges to their success, professionals often put up barriers - **May do a good job solving the problem identified** - **Does not change the underlying values, assumptions, etc.** ### Defensive reasoning - how everyone acts everywhere - To remain in unilateral control - To win more than loose - To appear to be rational - To supress negative feelings ## Double Loop Learning: - Inquiry-based evaluation: - Benefit - Identifies that there is a system at play - Uses inquriy to break the cycle of defensive reasoning Designed to expose and change the underlying: - strategies - values - assumptions ## Metaphor Thermostat is set at 67 degrees. If the temperature is 65 degrees that is a defect that our system is designed to identify. We can take several actions. We could get a thermostat with narrower controls. We could install a heating system that can heat faster/stronger. We could close windows, caulk/insulate. etc. All of these would do a better job at keeping the house at 67 degrees. All of these would be examples of single loop learning For double loop learning we would ask deeper questions: - Why do we have it set at 67 degrees? What does this say about our values? What assumptions underly this? What invisible impacts does this have? How does this change our behavior? How does this change our CO2 budget? How does this impact our finanaces? What tradeoffs exist. ## Leadership for a learning organization: ## How to role model : - Showing you are not in unilateral control - Showing you do not value winning over loosing - nor do you think in zero sum ways - Showing that rational is not the most important thing: here rational means having a clear goal and achieving that goal - Not to expose negative feelings, try to identify and disclose negative feelings and talk about them ## Methods of making change - two column activities: conversation and what you wish you said - Learners practice grids [[202201211030 Barking Dog Learners Practice Grid]] - Sources: [@argyrisTeachingSmartPeople1991] [argyrisActionScienceOrganizational1995]