Action learning: from strict sessions to other applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article discusses the author’s transformative journey, who transitioned from a traditional trainer to a passionate action learning coach through a series of personal and professional experiences. On top of that, the knowledge and experiences gained from action learning marked a pivotal moment, leading to a profound shift in the approach to coaching and people development. The article details three distinct cases in which the author applied action learning principles effectively: 1. Cultivating Core Values for a Public Hospital in Thailand, 2. Building a Team with Action Learning, and 3. Driving and Actualizing Results of a Leadership Development Program. Throughout these cases, the presence of a trained and certified action learning coach was highlighted as a critical factor. The coach’s expertise in asking thought-provoking questions, encouraging learning from actions, and fostering a safe and effective learning environment played an essential role in the success of each initiative. The author concludes with key learnings, emphasizing the adaptability of action learning beyond traditional sessions, the importance of simplicity in its application, and the transformative power of skilled action learning coaches in driving meaningful change and development.