Action Learning
Action learning is a method for collaborative learning where small groups of learners – an action leaning set – meet regularly to reflect on real work issues. It is based on the philosophy that the most effective learning takes place when we are faced with real problems which we are obliged to solve.
Action learning enhances the way people learn, drawing on actual practice and using the experience of the members of the group to work together to question, reflect, gain insight and plan how to act differently in the future. Because the focus is on real issues, working and learning take place at the same time.
Action learning can be used in several ways:
- On its own
Offering a learning experience in itself - As part of a development or change programme
Reinforcing learning and supporting action - Following on from a development programme
Focussing on the transfer of learning to the live challenges of the workplace
Ford Consulting can facilitate action learning sets within single organisations or with members from a number of different organisations. We work with small sets of around six members to allow in-depth discussion and exploration.
Typically sets meet every four to six weeks for a half-day meeting. However to meet differing organisational needs more frequent shorter meetings or full-day meetings can also be accommodated.
Fees
All fees are quoted individually due to the bespoke nature of our service.
Discounted rates are negotiable for multiple bookings within the same organisation.
If you would like more information about our action learning service or would like to discuss what type of programme might meet your needs please contact us.
Many organisations have used action leaning to great effect and once experienced in this form of learning quite rightly they wish to facilitate it themselves. For these situations and for other individuals wishing to learn how facilitate action learning sets we provide action learning set facilitation training in partnership with 3D Coaching.
This one day experiential course will provide you with:
- An understanding of the process of action learning and how it works
- Enhanced listening, questioning, contracting and facilitating skills
- Improved feedback deliver skills
- Increased confidence in facilitating action learning sets
- Written feedback regarding your strengths and development areas with regards to set facilitation
The day is run as an action learning set so all participants will gain actual experience of being a set member and facilitating a set.
This course is run as an open course with delegates from different organisations but can also be delivered in-house for organisations with a number of facilitators to train.
Fees
All fees are quoted individually due to the bespoke nature of our service.
Discounted rates are negotiable for multiple bookings within the same organisation.
If you would like more information about our action learning facilitator training or would like to discuss what type of programme might meet your needs please contact us.
Client Testimonials
I can honestly recommend coaching to anyone who needs time to step back from the minutia of work and to reflect on their own specific objectives.
Chris Tomlinson, Senior Manager, Local Authority
Anyone who enters a coaching programme thinking that the coach will provide the answers is plain wrong. However Liz enabled me to find the answers from within which turned out to be a much more satisfying achievement!
Head of Waste Operations, Local Authority
I have found the time spent with Liz incredibly useful. It has been invaluable to have time away from my normal working day to explore issues. I have changed the way I work and moved forward in my career as a result of these sessions.
Regional Fundraising Volunteer Strategy Manager, Sue Ryder
Liz helped me see my full capability, giving me confidence to achieve appointment to the Board post
Chief Nurse & Quality Officer, NHS North Derbyshire CCG
As the process was so open and personal, focused on me, the strategies that have been developed feel part of me. They started off as a conscious guide and have become part of my own reflexes, enabling me to achieve the personal and professional development that I aspire to.
Polyanna Katsafourou, Senior Registrar, Leeds Teaching Hospitals
"Liz is a really empowering and helpful supervisor. I like her flexibility, openness and transparency. She guides, challenges and supports me and most of all, empathises and stands alongside me. At the end of a session I've reached a point that in many ways I already knew but hadn't quite articulated or fully realised before. She helps me to tap into my own wisdom."
Ailie Kerrane, Coach
Could I just reiterate how much I enjoyed the time management workshop. I am already putting ideas into practice and with some success!
Tom Harbord, Facilities Manager, Guiseley School
Liz had a great way of looking at things from a completely different perspective to mine which allowed me to contextualise problems and solve them far more easily than I had been able to before.
Senior Manager PCT/CCG
“The coaching has made a real difference to me in terms of my current role but also in being able to determine what direction I want my future career to take.”
General Manager, Mental Health Trust
From the very first session I was able to make changes to my day-to-day working practices that have been invaluable. Thank you Liz!
Senior Manager, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Liz has the ability to synthesise information and ask just the right questions that in turn encourage you to reflect upon your own practices and steadily begin to alter them.
Assistant Head Teacher, Humberside
Thank you for all your help - you've been brilliant in helping me to get my head together in preparation for interviews and I've enjoyed working with you. If anyone asks me where they can get help with interview coaching, I'll be recommending you!
Vicar, Church of England
I was somewhat sceptical about coaching but I found our time together to be one of my best investments in personal development. Liz’s coaching helped me to unlock time, become more effective in my professional role and, more importantly, it enabled me to enjoy my life outside of work.
Dave Vickers, Assistant Head Teacher
Liz helped me to gain focus and uncover different ways to resolve situations at work. I found coaching a supportive, motivating and cathartic experience - Thank you!
Curriculum Lead, Hull College
"I have gained greater focus in the tasks required to manage my team, and confidence to put plans into action."
Regional Rural Head, Savills
Coaching has had a big impact on me. I think it is deep and will be long lasting. It has helped me to make some very big personal and career decisions.
MBA Student, Bradford University School of Management
Coaching helped me to understand the benefits of putting into words the feelings and thoughts that were in my mind.
Business Development Manager, global pharmaceutical company
These coaching sessions have served to identify several vital issues that have had a direct impact on my performance. They were skilfully conducted and appropriately assessed.
MBA Student, Bradford University School of Management
I’ve found the coaching a valuable and rewarding experience. The greatest value has been talking through some self-limiting beliefs and gaining more understanding of what’s holding me back. Thank-you!
Freelance Development Consultant
The benefits I gained from my coaching sessions were enormous. They helped me to find focus and set goals as well as learning another valuable leadership skill.
MBA Student, Bradford University School of Management
The thing I valued most about these coaching sessions was the opportunity to reflect and discuss matters with a 3rd party who was independent from work, family and friends and able to provide both challenge and support.
Project Manager, Management Consultancy
Liz provides executive coaching for MBA students at Bradford University School of Management. Feedback suggests students find this to be a highly worthwhile and effective experience. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending her.
Dave Spicer, Associate Dean, MBA Programmes
Liz has undertaken several projects for us over the last four years including developing our corporate induction programme, delivering a variety of training programmes and assisting us with mapping our business processes. Her work is of a high standard; keenly undertaken and professionally presented.
Vice President (UK & Ireland), global healthcare company
Liz’s work was always to a very high standard and delivered in a timely fashion. She consistently produced quality documentation following only an outline brief from myself. Above all, Liz was always pleasant, helpful and informative and I can wholeheartedly recommend her to prospective clients.
Pathology Services Manager
This coaching workshop should be compulsory for all managers. It is the most useful and high impact course I have ever been on. It has changed the way I manage work and personal relationships for the better.
Marketing Manager, Faculty of Arts & Society, Leeds Metropolitan University
Coaching enabled me to build my confidence and take a much more hands-on approach to my career development. Liz is a star and I would recommend her to anyone.
Management Consultant, The Nichols Group
Coaching has been the single most empowering personal development I have ever done.
Kathryn Blackburn, Head of Student Marketing, Leeds Metropolitan University
My coaching sessions with Liz gave me focus and direction. She unlocked the motivation and energy I needed to tackle issues I had been ‘parking’ and which had been holding me back. Thank you, Liz!
Client Services Manager, Primeast Ltd
You have a gift for making dreams happen. You believe in me and that helps me believe in me too.
Minister, Congregational Church
Liz was fantastic coaching me, simply the best coaching session I’ve ever had. Thank you so much. This has lifted something that has been around since I was 13 years old. I am indebted to you.
Independent Conflict Mediator
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