Is Action Learning Just a Leadership Development Fad?



Is leadership action learning here to stay?

In the learning and development field, trends, tools, and techniques come and go. Currently, the term, action learning, is heard more and more often. What is it and what can it do for you and your leaders?

Action learning is an approach to solving real problems together in real time. The problem is defined, discussed, and appropriate action is taken. Next the group reviews, presents and reflects upon the process and the results.

The benefits of the leadership action learning technique are not just temporary in solving real and current problems. Done right, the benefits are systemic and long-lasting in terms of leadership and team development in three key areas:
  1. Trust and Respect. Team members build mutually respectful working relationships at all levels

  2. Confidence and Competence. Participants develop confidence in their leaders and competence as team members

  3. Continuous Improvement. Individually and as a whole, team members adhere to the continuous learning concept of reflection for the purpose of future improvement
Not just a fad, action learning is an accelerated learning tool with long-term benefits for leaders and the entire organization.

With Action Learning - The Whole is Greater than the Parts



You can have both.

Leadership action learning takes advantage of diversified talent to develop leadership bench strength and solve important strategic problems at the same time.

This principle is at the core of action learning whereby you assemble a group with varied strengths who gather regularly to address and find the answers to real and current problems while improving core skills. At the core, action learning is learning by doing.

Conceptually, how does it work?
  1. Gather together a team with complementary skills and expertise.

  2. Define the problem(s)/ goal(s), sort out the issues, and agree upon action steps.

  3. Begin the work that was outlined by the group with clear success metrics, roles, and development objectives.

  4. Meet again as a team to report on progress, discuss what worked and what did not, and identify next steps. Keep records for future reference.

  5. Get expert coaching and support, repeat the cycle until the problem is solved and the goals are realized.
With a select, multi-skilled team working on real issues on a regular basis, solutions will be implemented faster and more effectively than by parceling out problems to narrow-band individuals.

Recognize and Adapt to Increase Influence



Bad communication generally leads to unhappy people and unproductive behavior - the exact opposite of what you are trying to accomplish as a leader.

Understanding what makes people tick and adapting your leadership style accordingly can help you to influence, communicate, and manage others (both up and down) more effectively. Once you become adept at identifying key styles around you, your ability to influence, communicate, and make an impact increases significantly. Here are four to be aware of:
  1. Chart-the-Course (Directing/Responding). The theme of this style is having a course of action to follow. People of this nature have a pressing need to anticipate. The hallmark of this style is creating plans or points of reference that ensure that projects achieve the desired result.

  2. Behind-the-Scenes (Informing/Responding). The theme of this style is getting the best result possible. People of this nature have a pressing need to integrate information and accommodate multiple inputs. The hallmark of this style is patience for sticking with a project to deliver the optimum result.

  3. In-Charge (Directing/Initiating). The theme of this style is getting things accomplished. People of this nature are results-focused. They keep things on track in an efficient fashion. The hallmark of this style is a driving energy that moves them into action to lead the group to an achievable result.

  4. Get-Things-Going (Informing/Initiating). The theme of this style is persuading and involving others. People of this nature have a pressing need to inspire others to move into action. The hallmark of this style is a contagious enthusiasm that encourages and motivates participation to deliver an embraced result.