Outlearning the Wolves: Surviving and Thriving in a Learning Organization

by David Hutchens

Organizations around the world today are struggling to stay ahead of the pack. With its fanciful illustrations and deliciously wicked humor, Outlearning the Wolves is the story of an organization that might resemble yours--complete with bad habits, nagging vulnerabilities, and resignation to the status quo. A flock of sheep, fearful of the wolves' mythical cleverness, is initially debilitated by fragmentation and false assumptions. But as the sheep build a culture for learning, the contributions of each individual are utilized in strikingly new and productive ways. By working together, the flock develops the capability for dramatic learning that ensures it can thrive while facing fresh challenges. Outlearning the Wolves presents a powerful metaphor for understanding the issues organizations face when they realize they must learn how to learn differently. Any organization seeking to build both a rewarding workplace and a thriving enterprise should introduce these ideas to every worker--from the front line to the boardroom. Outlearning the Wolves is a unique resource for teachers and learners across a broad range of settings. Included is a concise guide to the story's essential points--a ready-made lesson outline, perfect for directing group learning.

Genres: Leadership

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

David Hutchens is an author, business writer and learning designer who creates communication solutions for The Coca-Cola Company, Wal-Mart, IBM, GE, Nike, Bank of America, and others. He served as chairman of Storytelling in Organizations, a special interest group of the globally renowned National Storytelling Network.

He speaks to organizations and leadership teams all around the world on the topic of storytelling as an organizational capacity. His new book is “Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers,” Wiley & Sons 2015

He is creator of the Learning Fables -- a book series that uses narrative and metaphor to illustrate principles of organizational learning. With titles that include "Outlearning the Wolves" and "Shadows of the Neanderthal," the popular business fables have have sold more than a quarter-million copies in over a dozen languages.

He is author of the book "A Slice of Trust: The Leadership Secret with the Hot & Fruity Filling,” which features a foreword by Stephen M.R. Covey.

In partnership with The Conference Board, he is creator and lead facilitator of The Team USA Leadership Experience, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado springs; and he also facilitates The Apollo Leadership Experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

A nationally recognized developer of innovative learning products, David's work has been recognized with distinctions such as Training & Development's "Training Product of the Year" award; ASTD's prestigious "Excellence in Practice" award; Brandon Hall Gold award, and more.

David's newest product is "GO Team: Powering Teams to Perform," a just-in-time team training resource. GO Team's library of 18 team-related topics allows you to build your own learning agenda tailored to your team's needs.

Reviews

[Deanna Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! Will be using it for a staff meeting.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential read if you want to effectuate change in your organization! Looks like a children's book; acts like a business manual. All of Hutchens' works help us reimagine storytelling as a business discipline rather than a soft hobby... I love it!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting as part of a leadership class. While there are better books out there, this is a short, funny book that makes you really think about the mindset of leadership and the mindfulness of others in your organization.

[Diane Haag · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Fairy tale style book gives great examples to get you thinking of changes you can make in thinking differently or looking at a problem in a different way to help you look at a problem from more than one angle

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought a book about cartoon wolves and sheep would be one of the best books I’ve read in 2020! The story and the message are timeless. It made me laugh out loud and the ending is so funny! No matter your profession, no matter your level we all need to “ Outlearn the wolves”

[Noriko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comically written, easy to understand and a quick read. There is a practical section at the end of the story where you can use as a guide at work.

[Rosalinda Lamas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very quick read. If you want a short read to make change this may be for you.

[Jen Readeroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read gave me a lot to think about. It showed me that my quest to read, discuss and observe during my year as a substitute can help me become a productive sheep in my own classroom.