Nic Oliver

Thinking and Learning Loops

In this article, I want to focus on thinking and learning loops, what they mean and the triple loop trap. This is the first in a series of articles that concentrate on the insights I’ve gained from my offline work as a learning and development consultant. This work embraces training, organisational development and coaching, (both personal and business coaching).

Writers such as Chris Argyris, Peter Senge and William Torbert all refer to systems thinking and learning and in particular to “single loop, double loop and triple loop” thinking and learning. But what does this mean and in particular, what’s the difference between double and triple loop? I like to be able to find simplicity amongst apparent complexity – it helps me to understand and I can then pass on this understanding to my clients. [Read More...]