2. ACTION LEARNING INTRODUCTION Andrea Cole Treasurer and Director of Social Media World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL) acolellc@gmail.com 240.401.2673

3. Action -> Solution Learning 1 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved 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 What is Action Learning

4. WIAL Historic Roots Reg Revans Action Learning UK Kurt Lewin Action Research USA Trist & Emery Socio- technica l Systems Organizational Learning Systems Theory GE Workout Mike Marquardt Integration of approaches Argyris & Schön Organizational Learning OD & Systems Theory GE Workout Program WIAL Action Learning NTL experiential learning group dynamics Titanic Cambridge Physicist Coal Mines 2 Integration Six components two ground rules Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

5. 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 3 Action Learning Worldwide Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

6. 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 4 Two Ground Rules Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

7. vs Group Forms, Storms, Norms, Performs Addresses Symptom Addresses Problem Experts Only Diverse Teams Band-aid Solutions Breakthrough Solutions Enhanced Leadership Powerful team development Typical Problem SolvingAction Learning 5 Co-Acting Groups Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

8. 6 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 Action Learning Process Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

9. Compelling challenge (work, community, personal, …) Problem…not a puzzle You own it and are committed to take action Problem Volunteer 7 Problem vs Puzzle Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

10. 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 Action Learning Problems 8 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

11. 1. Real problem, challenge, or task 2. Group of 4-8 committed people 3. Use of reflective questioning & listening 4. Commitment & accountability for Action 5. Focus and commitment to Learning 6. Action Learning Coach 6 Components 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 Open ended Reflective Probing Clarifying Explorative Analytical Tips for Quality Questions Problem Owner introduces the Problem/Challenge Get Clarity on the Problem Suggest Solutions Problem Owner’s Commitment to Action Team Reflects on Learning Action Learning Cycle Practice 9 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

12. Compon ents Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questionin g and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitme nt to Learning Action Learning Coach 6 Components 10 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

13. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 11 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

14. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 12 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

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16. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 14 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

17. The Power of Questions Cause us to focus and/or to stretch Create opportunities for deep reflection Challenge taken-for-granted assumptions that prevent us from acting in new and forceful ways The most useful information often requires questions that take courage to ask and are difficult to answer Lead to breakthrough thinking Contain the keys that open the door to great solutions Copyright 2014 WIAL All rights reserved 15

18. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 16 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

19. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 17 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

20. Six Components Challenge Group of 4-8 Reflective Questioning and Listening Develop Strategies (Actions) Commitment to Learning Action Learning Coach 18 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

21. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 19 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

22. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 20 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

23. 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 21 Leadership Competencies Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

24. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 22 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

25. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 23 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

26. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 24 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

27. Action Learning Benefits Solves Complex Problems Develops Leaders Builds Powerful Teams Continuous Learning Creates Learning Culture Enhances Systems Thinking 25 Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved

28. Thank you! Copyright 2012 WIAL All rights reserved 26 andreacole2010@gmail.com