June HR Lunch & Learn: Introduction to Learning Circles

Our Session BEFORE DURING AFTER What’s a Learning Circle? Getting Ready for a Session……….… Creating Interaction and Insight…….… Setting up a Commitment to Action….. SharePoint Site Questions BEFORE DURING Why important to business? Why important to individual? AFTER

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Concept

What is a Learning Circle Definition Small, diverse group (8-10 people) Meet regularly over a period of weeks / months Set ground rules for a respectful, productive discussion Are usually led by a facilitator who is impartial but helps to manage the deliberation process Look at an issue from different points of view Act as a vehicle to discover, share, and express knowledge Start where people are and encourages growth Involve a spiraling process of reflection and action

What is a Learning Circle Facilitation The facilitator is not expected to be an expert on the topic Their most important tasks are to be organized and to ensure that the logistics support the success of the circle, including room set-up, scheduling, sending out guides The facilitator follows the procedures of the Circle and keeps the discussion focused on the topic or issue, making sure no one person dominates. Goal is to move to rotating the facilitator position from meeting to meeting – after group is ready

What is a Learning Circle Facilitator Led Topic Focused 45-60 minutes Pre-Assignment 10-15 Minute Activity Practice Observation Reading Video Format Learning circles are targeted at 60 minutes, flexibility to go to 90 if needed (exception) Facilitator guides and handouts will be provided to support the process Circle launch coordinator is assigned to get things started Circle facilitation should be shared – each group can decide

What is a Learning Circle HR Consulting Model HR Consulting Principles SCARF model Decide (bias) Question Thinking Topics Connection/Meaning HR Systems/Processes Critical Conversations Financial Acumen 2016 HR Virtual Conference

What is a Learning Circle Calendar Communication of circle assignment by July 1 Launch e-mail sent by July 8 (includes guide) First meeting – introduction call – by July 30 Three assigned circle topics by September 30 HR Virtual conference in October?

Getting Ready for a Session BEFORE Schedule a time and room for meeting – may want to check in with members on best times and days Send out guide and supporting documentation prior to session Review the Session Guide – be comfortable with the order and any special tasks you need to do to prep Set-up the room – General suggestion is a circle with no obstructions blocking the view of the other participants DURING AFTER

Facilitating a Great Session BEFORE Make it Safe for Participants Handle challenging people with grace Know your game plan Leading great conversation Review the Session Guide – be comfortable with the order and any special tasks you need to do to prep Set-up the room – General suggestion is a circle with no obstructions blocking the view of the other participants DURING AFTER

Make it Safe BEFORE DURING AFTER Put it on paper that "what is said here and happens here, stays here." When someone shares in the group, make sure they feel affirmed about their answer in the moment. Avoid giving or allowing unrequested advice within the group… "“We're here to listen, not to give advice. Handling challenging people with grace and respect Make it OK to simply “show up” and participate – no preparation required! Exercise the “Law of Two Feet” as needed DURING AFTER

Challenging People BEFORE DURING AFTER The over-talker: remind everyone in the group guidelines that this is an equal participation group The non-talker: call on them periodically to share an answer; affirm them big-time when they do respond – make it OK to “pass” The tangent-starter: Don't get upset at the tangents; they happen and sometimes can be great conversation… use “the clock” as the reason to bring the group back on track The insensitive person: remind everyone of the group guidelines, and definitely have the one-on-one conversation outside of circle time as needed DURING AFTER

Know your Game Plan BEFORE DURING AFTER What are the key actions you need to think about for this session? AFTER

Know your Game Plan BEFORE DURING AFTER What are the key actions you need to think about for this session? AFTER

New New New Share Result Share Result Pre-work Progression Pre-work Commit to Action Commit to Action Commit to Action

Creating Interaction and Insight BEFORE DURING Fixed Mindset Growth Mindset Problem Solution Discussion Critical Thinking Single Loop Double Loop Statements Questions What How and Why Reaction Reflection Ask open-ended questions Avoid the yes/no, true/false, multiple-choice Ask follow-up questions Ask “popcorning” questions Refrain from leading questions Test assumptions Stay on the Learner Path Don’t be afraid of silence AFTER

Creating Interaction and Insight BEFORE Start with a rotation until everyone has spoken Participants may choose to pass rather than speak. Only after everyone has had a chance to speak is the floor opened for general discussion. Listen carefully and accurately, making sure the group is hearing what each participant has to offer. Be prepared for disagreement – don’t try to solve. Don’t allow for cross-talk, analysis or other interruptions. Call for a “Time-Out” as a way to keep the discussion on track DURING AFTER

I’m Ready! Let’s try!

? ? Questions??