Live life as if you will die tomorrow, learn, as if you will live forever

                                                                                   Mahatma Gandhi

In these times of negativity, it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.  Under threat, our natural tendency is to withdraw, go quiet, protect. It’s like hiding from the dragon until it has passed. That’s no way to live if the dragon takes up residence nearby for a while!

In times of threat a better response may be to continue to live life fully, continue business fully, keep working fully … just in a different way. One that is less expensive, more productive and just as beneficial if not moreso.

Just as importantly is to use the time to learn so you are better positioned when the  threat passes and you’ll find you’re streets ahead of those who just ‘retired’ until the threat passed.

Wow! Dr Michael Marquardt is an undisputed king of Action Learning. 

Recently he took a group of us through the process and theory behind conducting Action Learning and it was brilliant. I learned even more about the technique and found my skills grew over the time we spent together.

Action Learning is a deceptively simple technique that is way more than just asking questions. It comprises a methodology which underpins the learning content and application of the learning. 

When do you use Action Learning? Ideally when there is a problem to solve which has some immediacy or import.

What’s so special about it? It’s real-time learning and skill enhancement. The use of a Coach through the process is critical to ensure the session doesn’t turn into a general discussion or head straight into solution mode without exploring the possibilities and the process as well as individual and team development.

Michael utilises Action Learning for almost all of his leadership development work these days.

Personally, I have used Action Learning in a limited way up to now but will be embedding it into more of my consulting and development work in future. Give me a hoy if you would like to practice the technique or apply it in your own organisation.