Understanding the causal path between action, learning, and solutions: maximizing the power of action learning to achieve great results

H. Skipton Leonard

Action Learning: Research and Practice, 2015, vol. 12, issue 1, 22-36

Abstract: Clients and practitioners alike are often confused about the ultimate purpose of action learning (AL). Because of the title of the method, many believe the primary goal of AL is to generate learning. This article clarifies the relationship between action, learning, and solutions. It also provides historical evidence to support the conclusion that the first purpose of AL has been, and should be, achieving effective and creative solutions to complex, critical, and urgent problems. The power of AL to develop leadership skills is explained and a useful problem-solving mental model, the cycle of effective problem-solving, is presented. The cycle can be used by the coach to generate questions that encourage teams to reflect on its problem-solving process and thereby promote the learning that will improve the team's performance and lead to higher solution quality. Several examples are provided to illustrate how the cycle of effective problem-solving can be used.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1080/14767333.2014.977222

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