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Biggest Mistake in Action Learning
How a company’s leadership program frustrated their rising talent
One of the services that I offer is evaluating company leadership development programs. For one client, I interviewed several mid-level managers who are experiencing or completed one of their leadership programs.
From one particular interview, I discovered a flaw in their action-learning projects. Here’s what happened.
During a group interview with three senior directors, they explained how executives had selected them for an action learning project.
They had high praise for their action-learning experience and described how the program helped them develop their leadership capabilities.
What action learning is
Before continuing, I’ll explain action learning.
Action learning is a way to develop professionals by having them work in a team that focuses on a problem — usually at the enterprise level.
Participants benefit by developing leadership skills while working cross-functionally. The company benefits by gaining the…