Action Learning Set
A small set of four to eight people works on a real, pressing problem brought by one member. Two ground rules hold: statements may only be made in response to questions, and the coach can step in whenever there is a chance to learn. The set reframes the problem, agrees actions, and members carry them out between sessions.
Use when people need to solve real problems and develop as leaders at the same time.
Solves: Problem-solving meetings jump to solutions before anyone has checked whether they agree on the problem.
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Step 1: The problem presenter describes the problem briefly (5 min).
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Step 2: Members ask questions to understand it. Statements are only allowed as answers to questions (20 min).
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Step 3: The coach asks everyone to write down what they now think the problem is. Compare and agree a reframed problem (10 min).
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Step 4: Continue questioning towards goals and strategies for the reframed problem (20-30 min).
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Step 5: Agree specific actions the presenter and other members will take before the next session (10 min).
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Step 6: The coach leads a learning review: what did we do well, what could we do better, what did we learn (10 min).
- As coach, ask about the group's learning and process, not about the problem itself.
- Interrupt as soon as statements start replacing questions.
- Insist on real action between sessions. Without action there is no learning.
- Self-managed sets without a coach, rotating a process-keeper role.