The Components of Action Learning
Action learning, unlike regular learning, doesn’t jump to conclusions straight away. Instead, before you can tackle something, there’s a process that you must got through first in order to make sure that when you do tackle this problem, you are as prepared as possible for any difficulties that may lie in your way. So, what is this process that you’ll have to go through.
QUESTION – Before you tackle the problem at hand, it’s best to figure out what the true nature of the problem really is. Ask questions with others that you’re working with, will not only build bonds between you, but also root out the actual problem, rather than solving something that isn’t actually an issue.
IDENTIFY – Once you’ve identified and clarified the true issue, now is the time to identify certain solutions that will rectify that problem. This stage, again asks you to converse and collaborate with your team members. Identifying the problem allows you and your team to effectively pinpoint the issue, and can prevent you from making mistakes in the future, which can cost time, effort and resources.
ACT – Act upon the issue. Fix what needs to be fixed. Solve what needs to be solved. If you have done the first two steps correctly and questioned what the problem could have been, and then identified the true problem, then this stage should be fairly simple to complete in the sense that you know exactly what needs to be done, rather than guessing like people who jump straight in. However, regardless of the outcome of your solution, there is still one more stage to fulfil.
REFLECT – Reflecting on how successful your solution was is what separates action learning from other learning styles. Let’s assume that your solution worked, and that the issue you had is no longer there, you should try to reflect on what caused the issue in the first place, how this occurred, and what can be done in the future to prevent it. On the other hand, if you’re solution fails, reflect on why it failed. Go back through the stages, and reflect upon the action that you took, whether you really identified what the issue was, and if you asked the right questions in the first place. Once you’ve done that, go back to stage one and start again.
This is how action learning works. Not only do you find solutions to problems that are in your way, but you also analyse and reflect on your learning, allowing yourself to strengthen your understanding.