What happens in an action learning set?
- Group members decide who is going to present a particular situation that they currently face
- The presenter talks, for as long as he/she wishes, and describes his/her situation/dilemma/challenge
- Members of the group ask questions designed to assist the presenter come to a deeper understanding
- Group members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement, or talk about how the situation compares to their own
- The group assists the presenter to review options and decide on action
- The group reflects on the group process and gives feedback to each other on what has taken place
Who uses it?
An action learning set can be made up of peers from a single organisation who want to learn how to work together more effectively, who may be working on a shared project, or who are united by a common issue in the workplace, such as a major organisational change.
Alternatively, a set can comprise a group of peers from different sectors and different professional backgrounds, such as senior managers, directors and chief executives. Action learning is particularly useful in leadership and management development, offering an opportunity for the sharing of ‘real world’ experience and knowledge, and a sounding board for ideas.
The facilitator:
- Enables the group to reflect on group processes
- Creates safety for individual members to explore sensitive issues
- Takes the group beyond superficial analysis
- Keeps the group focused on the individual presenter
- Ensures that group members follow action learning conventions
- Enables the group to draw out general lessons on management development
