Category Archives: Uses of action learning
Problems or puzzles
One man asked, directly, why waste time asking questions of someone with a problem, if you can see the answer to their problem. Surely it’s better just to give the answer? More
Building relationships in professional services
Action learning can prove a challenge for people working in professional services where the “right” answers – and providing those answers quickly – are their trade. Some may find it hard not to give advice and to resist the temptation to “solve” the presenter’s problem. Sonja Antell reflects on the benefits that developing open questioning techniques can bring to client relationships for people working in professional services. More
Tackling gender equality using action learning – from guest blogger Frances McAndrew
When I realised that through action learning, small incremental actions would take place that when added together could show real change almost without people realising, I was sold! What better way could there be to overcome the fear of change and failure than through actually achieving successful change? Frances McAndrew reflects on the benefits of using action learning to tackle gender equality issues. More
Evaluating action learning – expecting the unexpected
Mandy Hetherton explains how evaluating action learning requires an approach which makes room for the unexpected. The element of discovery is central to action learning. Participants learn things about themselves that they were unaware of; they experiment with new approaches to tasks; and they experience a way of working with others which is often quite different from the prevailing norm. More
Action learning and retail….the challenge of responding quickly and thinking deeply
The slow pace of action learning can seem alien to customers in the dynamic and fast moving retail industry – Director Sonja Antell reflects on how the chance to step back and reflect is proving so valuable to ALA’s retail sector customers. More
Becoming a leader, and becoming uncertain…
“If I have a problem I think about all the possible solutions and then choose a way to fix it” …Toby Lindsay muses on how the action learning process moves new managers into greater areas of uncertainty, places where the “think of the solutions and choose” option is not the most useful approach, and how it equips them with a range of skills, relationships and practices to lead more comfortably and effectively. More
What makes a good long term relationship?
ALA is embarking on a number of new projects which have originated from long term relationships or referrals from our customers. Senior Associate, Sonja Antell contemplates the nature of long term business relationships and how some of the elements of these relationships actually mirror those of action learning. More
Who is Kim?
I was invited to speak to the Henley Business School Knowledge Management Forum last week and enjoyed a fascinating day meeting members and … More
Facilitator training in the Democratic Republic of Congo
ALA has been delivering action Learning facilitator training for Heineken International in Amsterdam and Vienna over the past two years. More than 60 … More
Ruth’s first blog
Finally overcame my nerves and self consciousness about starting an ALA blog but a Premier Inn near the Cowley Road in Oxford hardly … More