Leading to learn: Learning organizations and the role of leadership

For many, the learning organization (LO) remains something of a mythical concept despite 13 years passing since Peter Senge helped to popularize the subject in his book The Fifth Discipline. But those companies that have taken on the challenge have discovered that there is a critical role to be played by leaders in seeking success. Even today there is still considerable debate about the exact role and definition of a leader. Most parties agree that one of the primary functions of a leader should be to set a path towards a goal and then inspire and motivate others to follow. In this respect, the role of the leader clearly becomes pivotal in any LO initiative.