Action Learning for Leaders What is it

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Action Learning for LeadersWhat is it?
January 2007
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A quotable quote

• We learn most when faced with a real problem
  which we are obliged to solve.
• Lord Weinstock, MD of GEC

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• Action Learning is ideal for busy managers and
  executives who wish to solve critical and complex
  business problems and learn in the process.  Its
  a proven method of learning that we strongly
  advocate and were delighted at the many
  opportunities being made available during
  Management Month.
• Steve Studd CEO SkillsActive

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A description of Action Learning

• No learning without action
• No (sober deliberate) action
  without learning.

Tackling real tasks in the real world and in the
real role learning with and through each other
taking individual responsibility and actually
implementing solutions/plans. Pioneered by Reg
Revans in 1940s.
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BusinessWeek says..

• Not to be confused with Outward Bound type
  team-building, this growing training practice is
  based on the premise that it makes more sense to
  put promising people to work on real problems
  than to bore them with theoretical classroom
  learning. They get trained and the
  company gets a problem solved.

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Components of Action Learning

• A strategic important problem
• An action learning group or set (6 to 8 people)
  meeting regularly
• A process of insightful questioning reflective
  listening
• Action taken on the problem
• Commitment to learning
• A Coach to facilitate the sessions.

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A Typical Session

• Set comes together and reaffirms group bond
• Learning Workshop on a common leadership theme
• Problem presentations
• Reframing the problem
• Determining goals
• Developing action strategies
• Taking action between sessions
• Capturing Learning.

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Action Learning vs. Traditional Approaches
Action Learning Action on real/strategic
problems Learning from reflection on actions
taken results achieved Problems specific rather
than collective Problems selected by
individuals Questioning/listening is key to
helping participants tackle problem Coaches
facilitate sessions
Traditional Learning indirectly linked or not at
all Learning from trainer/course
material Collective learning focused on generic
leadership/management topics Aims objectives of
learning often set for group Telling as main way
to help participants progress with
problem Trainers deliver lecture (chalk talk)
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Action Learning is all about

• Working on real problems in the real world
• Building individual, team and organisational
  capabilities simultaneously in a cost effective
  manner
• An opportunity to step back and reflect on
  personal/professional needs with valuable input
  from other group members
• A powerful and effective way for people to
  develop personally and professionally
• A process where delegates support each other and
  learn with and through one another
• A way of learning from, and being supported by a
  skilled coach.

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Action Learning benefits

• Sharing of real world experiences, knowledge and
  support from the trenches
• A sounding board for your ideas
• Asking of hard questions that make the decisions
  easy there may be answers to your questions,
  and questions to your answers
• A unique opportunity to develop business and
  leadership skills
• You are in business for yourself but you are not
  in business by yourself - the group offers both
  support and encouragement
• Accountability to the group drives you to
  accomplish your objectives
• A chance to gain new insights, build
  relationships and begin genuine long-term
  friendships at a business and personal level.

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In summary

• Action learning is hands-on its solving your
  business problems and learning at the same time.
• Its not just about talking - theres lots of
  doing too!
• Its all about creating, growing and ACHIEVING.
• Its people working to take themselves, and their
  respective organizations, to a whole new level of
  success.

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For Further Information

• Mike Hender
• SfBn Management Leadership Programme
• 44 (0) 7786 263066
• mike_at_hender.net
• Or
• Sue Hook
• SkillsActive Programme Manager
• Management, Leadership  14-19 Qualifications
  Reform
• Tel [phone]
• sue.hook_at_skillsactive.com