Action Learning: Its More Than OJT

For centuries companies have used on-the-job training (OJT). OJT works because it follows much of what we know about adult learning theory. For example, we know:

1. Adults learn best when new learning can be applied immediately.

2. Much of classroom "learning" is lost because it does not transfer back to the job.

Action learning is a two-part method to maximize learning and productivity by maximizing OJT. Action learning involves teams of organizational members working on real organizational projects and problems. The team members' work is also accompanied by regular (and spontaneous) facilitator-led reflection and discussion meetings.

Action learning projects have led to new product launches, acquisitions and divestitures, and large-scale organizational changes. In addition to extensive and measurable productivity, there are significant learning benefits from these action learning projects. The benefits include:

* exposure to other parts of the organization,

* development of emotional intelligence (EI),

* learning the political realities of the organization, and

* being able to showcase skills to senior management.

Obviously, action learning projects require serious senior management commitment. Senior management buy-in includes not only contribution to choosing projects and participants, but also a commitment to evaluating and implementing projects.

Not every organizational project is an appropriate action learning project. Many projects have severe time constraints that would not allow sufficient time for reflection and discussion for the project team. Some projects are not strategically important enough to justify the investment of organizational resources (time, people, and money).

The facilitator for the action learning project must be a trained facilitator. To maximize the learning in an action learning project, the coach or facilitator must know how to extract learning from the team's work. Learning goals must be identified early in the project. Provoking critical thinking, reflection, creative thinking, and self-awareness is the job of the facilitator.

Action learning is one of many organizational learning strategies. Action learning must be used in alignment with the other organizational learning programs, such as individual coaching. For example, many coaching discussion topics can be based on the real-time learning that takes place in an action learning project.

Obviously, action learning projects (like any other organizational learning methods) are not a cure-all for every learning need. But, the productivity and learning benefits of action learning should be considered by every organization.

For more information of action learning projects read Dierck and Saslow's May 2005 Chief Learning Officer article entitled "Action Learning in Management Development Programs."

Dr. Mike Beitler is the author of "Strategic Organizational Learning." Get a free 7-part mini-course about organizational learning and learn more about the book at http://www.strategic-organizational-learnin g.com/

---

The 10 Realities of Change

I've seen several articles that begin with lines like "the... Read More

Action Learning: Its More Than OJT

For centuries companies have used on-the-job training (OJT). OJT works... Read More

1000 Managers Turned Their Plans Into Energy!

I bet you can't tell me how leadership training and... Read More

The Myth of the Management Team

Every business has problems. That is why the average life... Read More

Minimising Conflict With Effective Communication

Did you know there are 5 types of... Read More

Big Company Intelligence on a Small Company Budget

Information is the lifeblood of the economy. That's especially true... Read More

Hows Your Company RQ (Reputation Quotient)?

In light of recent corporate scandals, from Enron and Global... Read More

Change Behaviors, Change Performance

Every organization is looking for the holy grail of performance... Read More

Drafting an Employee Manual Sample Outline

One of the hardest things I had discovered running my... Read More

Inspirational Power ( Part 1 )

The Fundamentals of Strategic Marketing, Some Key Traits for Greater... Read More

Organize your Office- Seven Solutions

1. Create a filing system with broad categories such as... Read More

Employees Commit Corporate Fraud

Imagine the following scenario; Ten years ago you decided to... Read More

What Your Employees Want You to Know (But You Might Be Afraid to Ask)

This is a challenge for every company owner and manager.... Read More

Are You A B.O.S.S. -- Boisterous, Omnipotent, Self Indulgent, Sociopath

Boisterous, Omnipotent, Self- indulgent Sociopath. Avoid the B.O.S.S. syndrome with... Read More

Driving of work trucks

Each time you or one of your work crews cruises... Read More

How To Delegate for Fun and Profit

Ah, the wretched pain of delegation. It comes easy to... Read More

How to get an Audiences Attention

A trainer dryly discussing how to motivate people in an... Read More

Creating a Team Working Environment

TEAM DECISION MAKING: Managers who invite participation believe that people... Read More

Organizational Capital in Politics, War, Sports and Business

Intangible Corporate Assets such as Organizational Capital, Blue Sky and... Read More

Problem-Solving Success Tip: Look For Sponsors And Solution Owners

Look for sponsors and solution owners rather than problem owners.Everyone... Read More

Change Management

"It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the... Read More

Getting Information From Prospects

You're at a networking function and you've made that all-important... Read More

Best Workplaces

The Best Workplaces report (Financial Times, April 28, 2005) notes... Read More

Creative and Innovative Culture, Change Management ? Three Easy Tests

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

IT Expenditure - Why Businesses Spend Huge Amounts on Ineffective IT Investments

Another IT White Elephant!It seems that almost every day we... Read More

Three Professional Services Resolutions for 2005

With client expectations higher than ever before, and the gradual... Read More

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines Part I

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines ? Part IPermission is hereby granted... Read More

Assessing Managers for International Competence

How do you select staff for international assignments? It's an... Read More

Marketing Miracle: Outsource Your Creative Services

The current economy is causing most companies to tighten their... Read More

5 Ways of Increasing Business Profits

The economy may finally be turning around and showing signs... Read More

Book Summary: Mind Your Own Business

A maverick is an independent person who will not go... Read More

Why I always Keep my Promises

Integrity is very important to me, and I try hard... Read More

The Fairness of Office Politics... Integrity and Political Motivation!

I hear many complaints daily about the "unfairness" of politics... Read More