What happens in an action learning set?

An action learning set is a group of six to eight people who meet regularly with an action learning facilitator. They contract to meet – usually for five times over 12 to 15 months. Most learning sets are made up of peers who work at similar levels of responsibility. At the end of the contract the set decide if they want to continue to meet and can contract again. They may decide to continue to work with an action learning facilitator, on their own or they may disband.

At each meeting there is a disciplined process:

• each set member reports briefly on what has been happening to them
• set members then choose who will speak about a particular situation they are currently facing. This is known as presenting
• the presenter describes the situation, problem or challenge
• set members ask open questions which help the presenter come to a deeper or different understanding and so be open to new solutions, attitudes and behaviour changes
• set members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement or talk about their own situation – they stay focussed on the presenter
• the set helps the presenter review their options and decide on action
• set members reflect on the group process, respond to the presenter about what they have heard and talk about their own individual learning
• the presenter takes what they have learnt back to their workplace – initiating changes and trying new ideas or approaches
• at the next set meeting the presenter reports on the action they have taken.

The facilitator

• establishes the ground rules and keeps the set on course
• focuses the set on the presenter
• creates safety for individuals to explore sensitive issues
• takes the set beyond superficial analysis
• helps the set draw out learning
• enables the set to reflect on group process
• introduces the set to other tools for exploration, analysis and solution generation.