June Whetherly: Developing > Individuals, Teams and Organistions

Action Learning

 

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Facilitation of Action Learning sets – in-house and independent
Establishing in-house Action Learning programme
Action Learning for management & organisation development
Facilitator development 
Action Learning workshops

I have a special interest in and enthusiasm for action learning. My first experience of action learning was gained as a manager in local government when I became a member of a set. I learnt much about myself and how I operate in groups, group dynamics and processes, consultancy and interpersonal skills in addition to moving forward with issues of concern to myself. I became convinced that for many people action learning could be a powerful tool for learning and development.

Feedback from an action learning set of staff developers is typical of the value participants place on being in a set:

"I have found taking part in an action learning set comprised solely of Staff Developers extremely beneficial.  The set has proved to be intuitive in nature and very supportive.  It is the most productive and constructive development activity I have ever participated in."

"The biggest thing that I have gained from being in a Set besides the support I've had in dealing with my issues is hearing other people's issues and thinking about how they relate to me and my work.  This means that, even if I don't present an issue myself, I still learn from the session."

"The set has been a fantastic support. Not only has it helped me advance the development agenda through the maze of organisational politics, it has also provided me with support and supervision for my facilitation work. It’s been great to get support from fellow professionals who really know their way around my job and the set has really helped me to see when there’s a different way of solving a problem – usually one I hadn’t already thought of."

Quotes from participants of an Action Learning Workshop for Staff/Organisation Developers:       

·         Great mix of practical activity, discussion & theory – very valuable day I have a list of things I will now           do differently as a result

·       A very good day – it was nice to experience Action Learning, instead of just having the theory

·         How to facilitate, June excellent role model, patient, non-judgemental, comfortable with the process and the silence

·         Very participative and practical

·         I learnt that you should not give your own advice and the reasons for this, also not to be afraid of silence.

·         Very rewarding session, which will improve development of staff in my institution

·         The most valuable thing was realising that, with the help of this workshop, I am capable of facilitating a set

·         June has been a very calm inspiring facilitator and it has been lovely to meet colleagues from other institutions

·         I’ve learnt a lot about what works and what doesn’t work

·         I learnt a lot of very useful information about the process of running an AL set and some real insights through the practical exercises

·         Admired the facilitator’s clear expertise, commitment and calmness – giving space – analysing and summation, but subtly

·         I very much enjoyed the day and found it useful. I think a well-facilitated set must be a very powerful mechanism for finding support and learning about oneself.

·         Gained a clear picture of the use & purpose of AL and how it can be a useful development and supporting tool

·         I now understand more about AL, and about the dynamics of organising a set (contracts, processes etc.). There are various potential applications as part of the restructuring plans

·         I found that my level of confidence in facilitating action learning has increased - I found the facilitating of the day constructive & measured & productive

·         Very open & encouraging style – found it extremely useful opportunity to reflect on practice

For articles on action learning that I have written please follow these links:

Action learning: it's role in developing and supporting women in higher education. Describes recent experience in a number of universities

Action learning - developing the person and the organisation Provides an overview

What is action learning?

Can I help you? I shall be very happy to discuss with you your Action Learning requirements and can be contacted on 01727 846283 or at mailto:june@junewhetherly.co.uk

 

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