Goals,

1
From Ed Batista Double-Loop Learning and
Executive Coaching
Most Learning (Single-Loop) Improvement within an
existing system that rests on underlying
assumptions that are implicit and unchallenged.
Goals, Values Strategies
Underlying Assumptions
Results
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2
From Ed Batista Double-Loop Learning and
Executive Coaching
Most Learning (Single-Loop) Improvement within an
existing system that rests on unchallenged
assumptions that are implicit and unchallenged.
Goals, Values Strategies
Underlying Assumptions
Results
Double-Loop Learning Expanding the analytical
frame to explicitly identify and then challenge
underlying assumptions.
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3
From Ed Batista Double-Loop Learning and
Executive Coaching
An example, Part 1 How can I communicate more
effectively? (Single-Loop)
Results Constrained by the accuracy of
implicit assumptions, with limited understanding
of causes.

• Implicit Assumptions
• My audience understands and shares the meaning
  of my emotions.
• My internal emotions and their external
  expressions are congruent.
• My language and my emotional expressions are
  perceived as consistent.

Strategy Express more emotion to communicate
with greater impact.
It may well be that expressing more emotion will
enable me to communicate more effectively. But
the success of this strategy will rest on the
accuracy of my implicit and unchallenged
assumptions. And my understanding of the results
will be inherently limited, because I wont know
whether my assumptions were true or false, and
whether I succeeded or failed despite them or
because of them.
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From Ed Batista Double-Loop Learning and
Executive Coaching
An example, Part 2 How can I communicate more
effectively? (Double-Loop)
Better Results More accurate assumptions, and
a clearer understanding of causes.

• Improved Strategies
• Tailor expressions of emotion to meet my
  audiences needs.
• Improve congruence between my emotions and their
  expression.
• Insure consistency between my language and my
  emotional expressions.

• Explicit Questions
• Does my audience understand and share the
  meaning of my emotions?
• Are my internal emotions congruent with the
  means I use to express them?
• Are my language and my emotional expressions
  perceived as consistent?

Identifying the assumptions that underlie my
goals, values and strategies allows me to
question those assumptions, make better choices,
and more clearly understand the causes of the
results.
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