Book excerpt: Building the Learning Organization is the first practical guide to transforming your organization into one that is set up to learn - even seeks out opportunities to learn - and then stands ready to quickly capitalize on that information. You'll be able to navigate your way through the process with the help of an easy-to-follow model that forms the heart of the book. You'll also find incisive and fascinating case historiesshowcasing the successful efforts of such companies as Arthur Andersen, Whirlpool, National Semiconductor, and Federal Express - that illustrate application of the model's tenets in various economic sectors. And, to further facilitate the transformation to a learning organization, the book presents 16 recommended action steps your company will want to consider taking. There is also discussion of what it takes to maintain a learning organization over time. There are evaluation forms to help you assess at what stage your company is currently at, what its strengths are, and where the needs are the greatest. There is even a helpful glossary of common terms.