New and evolving technologies and increasing globalization continue to
impact many businesses. To compete in this rapidly changing environment,
individuals and organizations must take their ability to learn-the
foundation for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and
innovation-to a much higher level. In Learn or Die, Edward D. Hess
combines recent advances in neuroscience, psychology, behavioral
economics, and education with key research on high-performance
businesses to create an actionable blueprint for becoming a leading-edge
learning organization. Learn or Die examines the process of learning
from both an individual and an organizational standpoint. From an
individual perspective, the book discusses the cognitive, emotional,
motivational, attitudinal, and behavioral factors that promote better
learning. Organizationally, Learn or Die focuses on what kind of
structures, culture, leadership, employee learning behaviors, and human
resource policies are necessary to create an environment that enables
critical and innovative thinking, learning conversations, and
collaboration. The volume also provides strategies to mitigate the
reality that humans can be reflexive, lazy thinkers who seek
confirmation of what they believe to be true and affirmation of their
self-image, a reality that makes seeking the truth and high-quality
learning difficult. Exemplar learning organizations discussed in the
book include the secretive Bridgewater Associates, LP; Intuit, Inc.;
United Parcel Service (UPS); W. L. Gore & Associates; and IDEO.
