In-house action learning sets

Action learning provides organisational development that goes way beyond a standard training programme. Create a network of learning sets and you create a powerful way to encourage self-managed learning in the workplace.

What can action learning offer your organisation?

Action Learning Associates can provide experienced facilitators who act as a catalyst and coordinator to support your staff through the action learning process.

Frequently, potential in-house facilitators emerge from the initial action learning sets and can be trained to provide new sets for other managers. ALA can provide action learning facilitator training for organisations as well as support in setting up new sets. Within a year many organisations find they have a self-sustaining network of action learning sets – and a highly cost-effective process for continuing management development.

Action learning can offer your organisation

  • a proven form of successful organisational development
  • fresh approaches for organisations seeking new directions or facing change
  • a chance to put established practice and development under the spotlight
  • a way to test more efficient ways of working
  • learning which underpins improved delivery for customer, clients and beneficiaries

How does it work?

Action Learning Associates can help you put together in-house action learning sets which meet with a trained facilitator at regular intervals over 6-12 months. Peers from the organisation can come together to share learning and exchange best practice. Staff members working on a common project or change programme can use action learning to help them work together more effectively. Action learning projects can focus on transferring the learning from a management development programme to live challenges within the workplace.

Comments from members of action learning sets for managers, National Culture Forum Leading Learning programme

“Action learning has helped me to examine my own management style, learning to listen better and draw out solutions from colleagues as opposed to feeling I have to provide them myself.”

“Action Learning Sets are a powerful way to turn theory into practice in a supportive environment; they provide opportunities to think deeply on complex issues, which is rarely possible in the work environment or sometimes in the company of one's colleagues… I was disappointed by my first experience of action learning sets but this experience has been inspirational”