Annual Program: The 5 Disciplines
of the Learning Organization

The 5 Disciplines

In The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge introduces the concept of the learning organization — an organization in which people continually develop their ability to create the results they truly desire, in which new ways of thinking are encouraged, and in which collective learning is central. According to Senge, the ability to learn faster than the competition may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.

Senge distinguishes five core disciplines that are essential for building a learning organization:

Personal Mastery: This discipline is about individuals who are continually learning and growing. It involves developing a clear personal vision, a commitment to reality, and fostering a lifelong learning mindset.
Mental Models: Mental models are deeply held assumptions and beliefs that influence how we understand the world and take action. This discipline involves recognizing, challenging, and refining these internal images to improve decision-making and openness to change.
Shared Vision: A shared vision creates a common purpose within a team or organization. It goes beyond compliance and inspires people to work together because they want to, not because they have to.
Team Learning: Team learning builds on personal mastery and a shared vision to create a group environment in which collective intelligence can grow. It involves dialogue, active listening, and working together to achieve better results than individuals could alone.
Systems Thinking: The core discipline that integrates the other disciplines, systems thinking is the ability to see the bigger picture and understand how different parts of an organization interact. It helps identify patterns and leverage points for meaningful change rather than quick fixes.

Creating a learning organization is crucial in a rapidly changing world. It enables organizations to continuously adapt, innovate and remain resilient. By integrating these five disciplines into the organizational culture, an environment is created in which people and teams can continue to grow and excel.

Every month we learn from, with and through each other

Each of the five core disciplines is covered in 2 monthly sessions.

In the first session we focus on theory. For this we use five fables (see below).
In the second session, you will apply what you have learned in your own practice using targeted exercises.

We also ensure that the various components are connected to each other correctly.

What has been learned will be discussed as much as possible in the context of the participants' daily practice.

We meet online 10 times. We follow the school holidays. Every year we start in September and end in June of the following year.
The online sessions are on Wednesday mornings between 9am and 11am (for dates see below).
The costs are €595 per person (excl. VAT).
Interim entry is possible. In that case, you only pay for the number of months remaining in the annual program.
The 5 Disciplines annual program is provided by Guus Geisen and Patrick Bijman. Experienced SOL directors with a passion to pass on learning to learn.

Data Annual Program 2025 - 2026

2025: September 10, October 8, November 12 & December 10
2026: January 14, February 11, March 11, May 13 & June 10

The 5 Disciplines of the Learning Organization in 5 Fables:

Learning Fable 1: Outsmarting the Wolves

Introduction and introduction

Learning fables program
What you will learn
How are you going to learn
Getting to know participants
Introduction to tools
Contribution of cases from the participants
Learning Culture based on the first fable "Outsmarting the wolves".

Learning Fable 2: The Tip of the Iceberg

Understanding the system:

See what is invisible
Enterprising penguins love mussels
Working together with walruses
Success becomes frustration

Fable 3: The Lemmings' Dilemma

Personal Mastery and Moral Goals:

Relationship between moral goals and shared vision
Lemmings jump off rocks
But why actually?
Discover personal goal
From reacting to creatinghonor

Fable 4: In the shadow of the Neanderthal Valley

Mental models:

Learn to expose hidden beliefs that block insight sharing
Boogie the caveman is looking for understanding
why are people sittingn so firm in their beliefs?

Learning Fable 5: Listening to the Volcano

Meaningful dialogue:

Magic of collective thinking
A sleeping volcano awakens
Crisis in “Pine-ash”
Villagers get into a fight
Discover a new way of talking and listening

Costs Annual Program 5 Disciplines of the
Learning Organization

Participation in the annual program 5 Disciplines of the Learning Organization (10 online workshops) costs € 595, - (excl. VAT, including 5 booklets / fables, including shipping costs).

Registration Annual Program the 5 Disciplines of the Learning Organization

Individual purchase of the five learning fables as a set of booklets without participation in the annual program is possible. The costs for this are € 85, - (including shipping costs).

Order booklets? Send an email to info@autopoiesis.nu

Experiences

From 2025, the Learning Fables course will be expanded into the 5 Disciplines of the Learning Organization Annual Program.

Below you will find a selection of responses from participants:

"The booklets and Guus's enormous wealth of knowledge and experience are extremely valuable"

"You can get so much out of the fables. I liked that everyone got their own thing out of it. It's also striking how it resonates differently depending on what you're doing. It's nice to keep an open mind and stay curious."

"Nice to work on the ideas with the group/each other"

"I find the most valuable is the exchange based on the fable and making it concrete together"

The Organization Learning Foundation (SOL) is located in Haarlem. We are registered with the Chamber of Commerce under number 41211494.
Our bank account: NL55 TRIO 0254 8476 33. You can reach us via: patrick.solnetherlands@gmail.nl

Annual Program: The 5 Disciplines of the Learning Organization