Accelerated Action Learning

Using a Hands-on Talent Development Strategy to Solve Problems, Innovate Solutions, and Develop People

William J. Rothwell, Smita Singh (Dabholkar), Jihye Lee

• Publisher: Productivity Press
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN: 9781032391588
• eBook ISBN: 9781003835004
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Business Skills
• Index: Business

In a knowledge-based society, people should not simply collect knowledge but should utilize and apply it to solve a problem. Action learning makes organizational members learn while solving real problems in the workplace. However, traditional action learning might not be effective for rapidly changing environments, because it is typically a process that requires substantial time. Therefore, this book provides a guideline on how to apply action learning quickly in workplaces—especially in virtual settings.

Action learning allows the organization to develop people while, at the same time, getting work done. It is an alternative to classroom-based and online learning programs. In addition, it can also be an alternative to the instructional systems design (ISD) model or the successive approximation model (SAM) as a means of developing planned instruction if used for that purpose. Action learning can be an effective tool for Web 2.0 learning. Many organizations are now using self-directed teams and other team formats for work. It makes sense to revisit planned on-the-job training and learning with an emphasis on teams. Action learning is a process involving a small group with facilitators and action-learning process managers, so it is one of the best options for team-based problem-solving.

This book provides real action learning cases. There are needs that have emerged in these post-pandemic times. There is a need to explain how action learning can be applied to various settings, issues, and challenges. Since COVID-19 occurred, many people must work in virtual or hybrid settings. This book gives trainers—who could be HR managers, operating managers, or learning and development professionals—guidelines that can be used in virtual settings to meet the new needs.

Essentially, this book is written for team facilitators, supervisors, managers, or team members who wish to plan action-oriented, problem-based, and work-related learning experiences in real time. Because many action-learning books are written for an academic audience, it is not easy to put action learning into practice. Therefore, the goal of this book is to provide guidelines on how action learning starts, what basic principles should be considered, and what tools and techniques are needed for rapid action learning. The book is intended to be a primer on how to facilitate a planned learning project in a team or workgroup.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• About the Authors
• Advance Organizer
• Glossary of Key Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Accelerated Action Learning
• 1 What is Traditional Action Learning, and How Does It Differ from Accelerated Action Learning?
• 2 Phase 1: Selecting a Business Problem, Training Challenge, Organizational Vision, or Business Goal
• 3 Phase 2: Forming a Small Group or Team of People (of About 6–7 People) Meeting Criteria
• 4 Phase 3: Briefing Team Members About the Accelerated Action Learning Set
• 5 Phase 4: Establishing Measurable Goals for the Action Learning Set
• 6 Phase 5: Encouraging Team Members to Experiment with Solutions
• 7 Phase 6: Placing Equal Emphasis on Business Results and Individual Development
• 8 Phase 7: Completing the Accelerated Action Learning Set
• 9 Phase 8: Debriefing the Accelerated Action Learning Team Members Collectively
• 10 Phase 9: Debriefing the Accelerated Action Learning Team Members Individually
• 11 Phase 10: Reassigning Accelerated Action Learning Team Members Based on Their Individual Development Needs
• 12 Reflections on Accelerated Action Learning (AAL)
• Appendix I: An Assessment Instrument for Accelerated Action Learning Facilitators
• Appendix II: Accelerated Action Learning Survey Results
• Appendix III: Interview Excerpts from Action Learning Experts
• Appendix IV: An Accelerated Action Learning Tabletop Role Play
• Appendix V: Selected Resources for Action Learning
• Index