Alongside systems thinking, there stand four other disciplines. A discipline is viewed by Senge as a series of principles and practices that we must study, master, and integrate into our lives. Each of the disciplines can be approached at one of three levels: 1) Practices, 2) Principles, and 3) Essences (Senge, 1990).

Practices are the things you do while principles are the guiding ideas. Essences are "the state of being those with high levels of mastery in the discipline" (Senge, 1990, p. 373).

Each discipline provides a vital dimension. Each is necessary to the others if organizations are to learn.

What are your thoughts about the three levels? Where do you see yourself?