Action Learning Sets

Course outline

St Mungo's provides:

A facilitator for an introductory session followed by five facilitated sessions, when it is hoped the set will go on to facilitate the set themselves.

What is an action learning set?

Honest feedback. Intellectual nourishment. A toolkit for action. These are just some of the things an action learning set can give you.

Action learning is a development opportunity where you have time to focus on what is important to you. It might be problem solving, strategic management, career planning or managing change. The focus can be individual professional development or organisation development. You meet with a group of peers. What you have in common is the need for structured time to reflect and to share learning.

What actually happens in an action learning set?

A group of group of between 4 - 8 people working in a team or related fields at comparable levels of responsibility, meet regularly for a contracted number of meetings, which is usually five, over twelve to eighteen months. Initially you work with an external facilitator who acts as catalyst and coordinator, supporting you throughout this process. At the end of the initial contract, you as group members decide whether or not to continue meeting for a further contracted period, and whether to work on your own or with a facilitator.

At each meeting there is a disciplined process:

  • Every set member reports briefly on what has been happening
  • Set members decide who is going to present a particular situation that they currently face
  • Presenter talks, for as long as s/he wishes, describing their situation/dilemma/ challenge
  • Set members ask questions designed to assist the presenter come to a deeper understanding
  • Set members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement, or talk about how it compares to their own situation
  • The set assists the presenter to review options and decide on action

The facilitator:

  • Enables the group to reflect on group processes
  • Creates safety for individual members to explore sensitive issues
  • Takes the group beyond superficial analysis
  • Keeps the group focused on the individual presenter
  • Ensures that group members follow action learning conventions
  • Enables the group to draw out general lessons on management development.

Please contact learninganddevelopment@mungos.org for a course booking form and price information.