A chat with Chris Argyris

He has been working in the social sciences and the training and development field-and standing out in it!-since 1951. He just received the Lifetime Ac hievement for Advancing Workplace Learning and Performance award, given by the American Society for Training & Development. This latest honor is one o f many Argyris has received in recognition of his vast contributions to bus iness theory and the practice of training. Other laurels include the Gold M edal for Lifetime Contribution to the Application of Psychology and an hono rary doctorate from the London Business School. Argyris is not afraid to speak frankly about the "undiscussables." He says, "Most organizations-approximately 90 percent-have this problem," referring to widespread gaps and disconnects in learning. Training & Development's technology and products editor, Donna Abernathy, t alked with Argyris about some of his favorite concepts: truth, transparency , and stewardship-to name a few. In particular, Argyris advises (read: admo nishes) HRD practitioners to acquire (and quickly, before the profession pa sses them by) the skills and competencies for double-loop learning-a term c reated by Argyris. Put briefly, double-loop learning is about problem solvi ng and involves action. Argyris says that the next challenge in producing effective leadership, lea rning, change, and employee commitment is found where the issues are nonrou tine, controversial, or even threatening. He also questions the value of so -called expert advice. Abernathy prompts Argyris to make some predictions about where organization s are heading with respect to learning, and he obliges.