ACTION LEARNING INTRODUCTION 9/11/2018 ACTION LEARNING INTRODUCTION Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

What is Action Learning 9/11/2018 What is Action Learning A process that involves a small team (“set”) working on real problems, taking action, and learning while doing so A powerful management tool that creates dynamic opportunities for individuals, teams, leaders and organizations to successfully adapt, learn and innovate Action -> Solution Learning Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

WIAL Historic Roots Reg Revans Action Learning UK Kurt Lewin 9/11/2018 WIAL Historic Roots Reg Revans Action Learning UK Kurt Lewin Action Research USA NTL experiential learning group dynamics Trist & Emery Socio-technical Systems Titanic Cambridge Physicist Coal Mines Mike Marquardt Integration of approaches Organizational Learning Systems Theory GE Workout Argyris & Schön Organizational Learning OD & Systems Theory GE Workout Program Integration Six components two ground rules WIAL Action Learning Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Action Learning Worldwide 9/11/2018 Action Learning Worldwide Microsoft Constellation Energy Sodexho Novartis Siemens Boeing Caterpillar Singapore Polytechnic General Electric DuPont Samsung American University Organization of American States National Institute for Neurological Diseases and Stroke Defense Intelligence Agency NASA First Bank Nigeria United Airlines Target St Paul’s Church PWC Florida Power and Light Defense Acquisition University Department of Education TAFE Northrop Grumman National Cancer Institute HRINZ Department of Commerce Cambio Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Two Ground Rules Statements only in response to questions; 9/11/2018 Two Ground Rules Statements only in response to questions; anyone can ask questions of anyone else Action learning team coach has the authority to intervene whenever he/she identifies learning opportunities Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Typical Problem Solving vs Action Learning 9/11/2018 Typical Problem Solving vs Action Learning Band-aid Solutions Powerful team development Experts Only Enhanced Leadership Co-Acting Groups Breakthrough Solutions Addresses Symptom Diverse Teams Group Forms, Storms, Norms, Performs Addresses Problem Group Forms, Storms, Norms, Performs Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Action Learning Process 9/11/2018 Action Learning Process Problem / Challenge presentation (1-3 minutes) Two Ground Rules Statements can only be made in response to questions Coach works learning opportunities Consensus on problem, goal Problem analysis Strategies Action plans Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Action Learning Problems 9/11/2018 Action Learning Problems Individual Leadership Challenge I can’t seem to motivate my staff The Board is not supporting my new initiative My boss refuses to prioritize our work program Corporate Challenge We have relatively few woman and minorities in leadership positions How can I prevent the same incidents/accidents from occurring at our 4 production sites? It takes forever to get people promoted...many are leaving to get promotions Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

9/11/2018 Active Team Members Problem Presenter Present the problem in 3-5 minutes Team Members Ask Questions, Reflect to Gain Clarity Learning Coach Identify Learning Opportunities Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

6 Components Components 9/11/2018 Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved 9/11/2018 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Action Learning Benefits 9/11/2018 Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking The wide array of diverse questions forces the group to see problem and challenge with new eyes and in new ways. Systems thinking, in contrast to linear thinking, is based upon a conceptual framework that allows us to see full patterns clearer and to decipher how to change these patterns more effectively. Complex problems worked on by diverse group members who utilize a reflective inquiry process is the perfect embodiment of a systems thinking approach to solving problems and developing workable and effective action strategies. The questioning process raised from various perspectives creates a natural systems way of responding to complexity. Asking layers of questions and reflecting on possible responses to those questions force group members to think beyond symptoms to root causes, to explore a wide array of perspectives. As a result, action learning is holistic and comprehensive in its approach. Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Leadership Competencies 9/11/2018 Leadership Competencies Interpersonal Skills Team Building Listening Learning Mentoring skills Decisiveness Innovation Conflict management Creativity and Innovation Systems Thinking Integrity and Honesty Service and stewardship Visioning Ask great questions Provide support to others This is a list of possible leadership skills that can be used during the action learning session. This is not a definitive list of leadership skills but is indicative of the type of skill the group members can choose from. It is essential that the Action Learning Team Coach asks each person which behavioral skill they intend to develop during the action learning session. “What behaviours will the other team members be able to observe to indicate the team member is working on this leadership skill. For example, if a team member selects something like “Visioning” it is essential that the Action Learning Team Coach asks what this might look like during the session. Some of the skills are very high level and “motherhoods” so if there is no describable behavior linked to a skill, it will be extremely difficult for that person to actively practice it as well as for others in the team to observe it. Companies may have a list of desirable competencies they want to develop in various levels of the organization. These are ideal for action learning groups. The Action Learning Team Coach might check with the sponsor, champion, or the HR department to determine if such lists do exist -- prior to the commencement of the first action learning session. Additionally, if the company uses a 360 tool, the outcomes of such an instrument can also provide rich ground for appropriate skill development. Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Sample Norms Shall we use a flip chart to capture what we are doing? 9/11/2018 Sample Norms Shall we use a flip chart to capture what we are doing? Shall we finder a quieter area to meet? Sounds like we are working on more than one problem – shall we take a vote to decide which to work on first? Sounds like we are working on multiple problems – shall we attempt to define and prioritize them? Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved

Practice Two Rules 6 Components Action Learning Cycle Statements can only be made iin response to questions The Action Learning Coach has the authority to intervene whenever there’s the opportunity for learning. Two Rules 6 Components Real problem, challenge, or task Group of 4-8 committed people Use of reflective questioning & listening Commitment & accountability for Action Focus and commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach Action Learning Cycle Problem Owner introduces the Problem/Challenge Get Clarity on the Problem Suggest Solutions Problem Owner’s Commitment to Action Team Reflects on Learning Open ended Reflective Probing Clarifying Explorative Analytical Tips for Quality Questions Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

Have more Questions? Here are a few ways to answer them: Come to one of our chapter meetings Contact the Chapter lead, Andrea Cole at andrea@colecoach.com or 240.401.2673 Check out the Global WIAL and USA affiliate websites. Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

Thank you! We hope to see you soon. 9/11/2018 Thank you! We hope to see you soon. seattlewial-usa.org Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved Copyright 2012 WIAL, All rights reserved