In the current state of our economy and our education system, many individuals and organizations are currently looking at how to solve the problems revolving around leadership within organizations. Traditional ways of leading organizations prove unsuccessful and new means are created through innovation and adaptability (Laurie & Heifetz, 2003). The purpose of this article is to consider effective leadership, ethics in decision making and the systems approach. Effective Leader in a Learning Organization The leader within a learning organization must be able to make distinctions between his or her authority and the need for learning (Laurie & Heifetz, 2003). Organizational leaders must be able to make adaptations and admit that they do not know all the answers, but are instead willing to work with other employees or members of the organization to learn and adapt to new ways of doing things externally of traditional means (Laurie & Heifetz, 2003). There are five fundamental principles that the leader of a learning organization should use to be an effective leader: identify adaptive challenge, regulate discomfort, maintain a disciplined focus, be willing to give work back to people, and give individuals a voice . throughout the organization (Laurie & Heifetz, 2003). Leadership Strategies That Ensure Positive Outcomes A leader cannot be the defining leader, but must instead be willing to allow others to learn and accept responsibility for learning (Laurie & Heifetz, 2003). Within strategies the leader should be willing to collaborate with other individuals within the organization, develop a strategic perspective and be willing to adapt to new challenges… half of paper… (2003). The leader as teacher: Creating the learning organization. Retrieved from Ivey Business Journal: http://iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/leadership/the-leader-as-teacher-creating-the-learning-organization#.UpYBV-JHySoRamo, S.P., & St.Clair, R.K. (1998) . THE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH: new solutions to complex problems through the combination of science and practical common sense. Retrieved from the International Council of Systems Engineering: http://www.incose.org/productspubs/doc/systemsapproach.pdfU.S. Department of Education. (2011). Great Teachers and Great Leaders. Retrieved from ED.gov: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint/great-teachers-great-leaders.pdfZenger, J. (2013). In one step: How to ensure leadership development works. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jackzenger/2013/10/17/in-one-step-how-to-ensure-leadership-development-works/