Learning Organisation – Why Some Businesses Are More Successful Than Others

The environment around us has changed a great deal over the last few years and it is expected to only accelerate in the future. In most cases, we have no control over our environments, but life has shown that the most adaptable companies are the most successful, also in creating new markets. The success of others inspires many others to move their business towards success in hopes of experiencing similar results.


Learning ability is measured by the learning index which is influenced by openness to new knowledge, information and ideas as well as the ability and willingness to change. In the presence of one element and in the absence of another the learning index will still remain low. A high learning index and success can only be achieved by implementing all aforementioned elements.

Here are some examples on the organisation level. Highly competent industry specialists within the organisation have a lot of great ideas to bring to market. When changes need to be made to processes or a product / service in order to bring these ideas to life and there is no readiness for change, there will be no development in the organization.

The same is true for the opposite case. Goals will not be met either when there is a lot of excitement, readiness and willingness in the organisation to implement new things, but lack of interest or ability to find new ideas to lead to better solutions.


The most certain way for a leader to help achieve their organisations’ goals is by creating a so-called learning organisation with employing people who are open to new ideas and innovation. The staff have the ability to create innovation and possesses the energy and ability to bring ideas to life. This type of organisation structure might require more effort and change. But change is the keyword in this equation as everything new usually comes with the need for bigger or smaller changes. There must be constant change in order for progress to take place.

The ability to change is probably the most important attribute. To know something and not to use that knowledge is as inefficient as not knowing in the first place. A learning organisation has a multitude of new ideas and even more courage and a willingness to make it happen. Maybe it’s wise to ask in a job interview: “What are you willing to give up to achieve something you really aspire to? Are you ready to give up entertainment for a while or spend less time on your hobbies to achieve your goals? ” It’s a matter of choice in both personal life as well as business. Please don’t misunderstand me on this this. This question is not to find out whether a person is willing to give up their personal life for work. Rather a control questions to find out if a persons’ willingness to work for change in their personal life. If the answer is yes, there is a high probability that this mind set will also manifest itself in the work environment.


It is important to keep in mind that an organisation is made up of people whose ability to absorb and implement change is very different. It is not necessary to align with the slowest or fastest but to find the pace of change that works for the majority. Sometimes a change may seem small, but over time, even a small change will take you much closer towards your goals. Consistency in implementing change is particularly important as well as managing and measuring the progress as it is very easy for an organisation to fall back into a comfort zone after some time.


The most successful organisations are those with the highest learning index. Those organisations create a lot of new and excellent ideas and possess a power and ability to accomplish them. An organization with a low learning index moves where the market drifts. Their flow is usually slow and often even backwards which can result in the company stumbling in the market.

A successful leader chooses their own direction and goals as well as the road to get there!