A lot of the learning that companies and employees do throughout their training processes revolves around organizational theory or industry best practices. While it’s great to stretch the imaginations of trainees in looking at potential scenarios, most companies are frequently faced with enough real-world issues to focus training on the here and now. Those real-world issues can be more relevant and more engaging for employees.
Taking an Action Learning Approach
When training is based on solving real-world issues facing organizations, it’s often referred to as action learning. According to the World Institute for Action Learning, “Action Learning is a process that involves a small group working on real problems, taking action, and learning as individuals, as a team, and as an organization. It helps organizations develop creative, flexible and successful strategies to pressing problems.”
This logically makes sense. Focusing on the types of issues that employees are likely to actually face can help them be better prepared and more confident in their ability to respond appropriately.
Key Questions to Ask
Here are some questions any organization should ask (and answer) before implementing its own action learning program:
- How does action learning differ from traditional training methods?
- What are the primary benefits of the action learning model?
- What are some potential disadvantages?
- What types of problems are most suited to the action learning model?
- Does using a real-life problem as a training tool via the action learning model pose any risks in terms of failing to properly or timely address the problem?
- What kind of structure should be in place when using an action learning program?
- Are there any key roles that need to be included?
- How does an action learning program contribute to leadership development?
- Are there any good, real-life examples of successful action learning programs?
- How can you effectively measure the success of an action learning program?
- How can you improve on existing action learning programs?
Action learning combines the benefits of teaching skills to employees with addressing actual problems within the business. Additionally, learning by doing is far more effective than reading through presentations and white papers.