1. Action Learning
An Introduction

2. Action Learning
Experiences?
Perceptions?
How can it “ add value”?

3. “A way of learning from our actions and what happens around us , by taking time to question, understand and reflect, to gain insight, and consider how to act in the future” Weinstein 1999

4. A different approach to learning from Magerison 1988
TRADITIONAL
Historical case studies
Individual focus
Learning about others
Study of other organisations
Planning
Input based
Past oriented
Low risk
Passive
Theories
ACTION LEARNING
Current real case studies
Group based learning
Learning about self and others
Study of own organisation
Planning combined with Doing
Output/result based
Future oriented
High risk
Active
Practical application

5. Action Learning enables us to….
Learn from experience
Share experience with others
Have other colleagues challenge and support us
Take that challenge and implement it
Review with those colleagues the actions taken and the lessons learnt

6. Principles of Action Learning “Adults learn best when they are actually involved in their own learning about a current life situation. Adults who voluntarily choose a learning experience usually learn more readily.”
Emblem and Gray 1990

7. Guiding principles Support and challenge Listening Reflection
Questioning
Feedback (giving and receiving)

8. FIVE MAIN ELEMENTS OF ACTION LEARNING
The individual: who voluntarily joins the group
The set: a group of 5-8 people who meet regularly
The issue or task: each person brings something they want to work on
The process: challenge, support
The facilitator: who helps the group as it works and learns
Revans 1998

9. WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ACTION LEARNING SET?
TIME
PRESENTER’S ROLE
SUPPORTER’S ROLE
Beginning
Describing
Observing/Listening
Middle
Exploring
Answering
Listening
Thinking
Questioning
Challenging
Reflecting back
Offering ideas
End
Exploring future actions
Asking: what if?
Challenging presenter to find action points

10. Learning happens on 3 levels
Oneself
The issue
The process of learning

11. BENEFITS OF ACTION LEARNING
MORE PROACTIVE THAN REACTIVE IN PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING
INCREASED CONFIDENCE
ACHIEVE GOALS MORE READILY
BETTER AT LISTENING
INCREASED SELF-AWARENESS
DEVELOP AND STIMULATE OTHERS IN THE ORGANISATION
ABILITY TO APPROACH PROBLEMS FROM A BROADER AND MORE POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE THAN IN THE PAST
MORE REFLECTIVE THAN EMOTIONAL IN TENSE SITUATIONS

12. Involvement in Action Learning requires commitment -
Commitment to self-awareness
Commitment to the set and its members
Commitment to action and learning

13. THINGS TO AVOID IN AN ACTION LEARNING SET
Imposing your values and opinions on others
Giving advice
Being judgemental
Criticising or trivialising what the person is presenting

14. Action Learning Phases
Definition
Data collection
Data anlaysis
Generation of options
Presentation of recommendations
Implementation

15. Action Learning – Key skills
Listening with empathy
Challenging with sensitivity
Managing feelings
“Counselling”
Asking good questions
Offering and receiving feedback
Action planning
Giving time to others’ problems