What happens in an action learning set?
A group of about six people working in related fields and at comparable levels of management responsibility, meet regularly for a contracted number of meetings, which is usually five, over twelve to eighteen months. Initially you work with an external facilitator who acts as catalyst and coordinator, supporting you throughout this process. At the end of the initial contract, you as group members decide whether or not to continue meeting for a further contracted period, and whether to work on your own or with a facilitator.
At each meeting there is a disciplined process:
- every set member reports briefly on what has been happening
- set 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 their situation/dilemma/ challenge
- the set members ask questions designed to assist the presenter come to a deeper understanding
- set members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement, or talk about how it compares to their own situation
- the set assists the presenter to review options and decide on action
- the set reflects on the group process and gives feedback to each other on what has taken place
- at a future set meeting, the presenter reports on the action taken.
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.