Preparing for Action Learning

Action learning is the process of learning new ideas, skills and attributes through what we do at work or in other behavioral situations. It can be an excellent development tool for you, but only if you are properly prepared. This checklist is a clear, 10-point plan you should go through before undertaking any new project to help get the most of the action learning opportunities that are presented to you.

Task

1. The following checklist is a series of good practice statements. Work through each of them and consider if your answer is ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Tick the appropriate box on the right-hand side.
2. Once completed, go back through your responses. If you have answered ‘yes’ to most questions, you are well prepared to make the most of the action learning opportunities.
3. If you have answered ‘no’ to more than half of the questions, more preparation will be required. You need to discuss the project more fully with your sponsoring manager and the project manager.

Statement

Yes

No

I am clear about the purpose of my involvement in this project

I have clearly developed learning objectives

I can make a useful contribution to the project

My manager understands the resource consequences of my participation and will free up my time for the project

I understand the roles of other people in the project

I have identified a network of managers I can share ideas with

I have a learning ‘contract’ (formal or informal) with the project manager