Biggest Mistake in Action Learning

How a company’s leadership program frustrated their rising talent

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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.

Image of three professionals talking
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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…

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