| Action learning provides a structured approach to | | | | Communication, 11, 141-148)One of the problems |
| making progress on difficult and sometimes | | | | of considering joining an action learning group is |
| emotive issues. Taking part in an action learning | | | | that it could be uncomfortable and public, at least |
| set can help improve skills vital to leading a | | | | with the other group members. Another Gibb (AA |
| business forward, namely:Being objective and | | | | Gib, Enterprise Culture 1987), suggested that |
| making decisionsImproving listening and | | | | entrepreneurs focus on active learning and the |
| questioningCreating the climate for purposeful | | | | opportunity (amongst other factors). An |
| discussionAn action learning set normally numbers | | | | interesting debate is whether entrepreneurs have |
| between 5 and 7, and at the start is facilitated to | | | | learnt these skills through experience, or possess |
| give the group a good foundation. Each member | | | | them naturally as they are inquisitive.If this is so - |
| of the group gets a period of time to explain their | | | | that suggests that good business people are able |
| issue, and then gets questioned by the rest of | | | | to create the climate in which they can learn from |
| the group. Each member of the group can take a | | | | others.Many small business owners find creating |
| turn. A good set has trust between the | | | | the right environment quite difficult, especially if it |
| members, a good set of ground rules that have | | | | might involve some aspect of change on their |
| been adopted, and individuals learn to ask the right | | | | behalf. This manifests itself in frustration, anger, |
| questions so that another member of the group | | | | submissiveness and fails to create the right |
| can make good progress.They probably learn this | | | | climate. This in turn may expose them to making |
| from each other.Action research is quite similar. | | | | comfortable decisions and not succeeding in the |
| Using similar questioning and listening techniques it | | | | way they would have liked.Although many action |
| may be possible to make progress on an issue | | | | learning sets are set up with the aid of a |
| that has been difficult to resolve. Again the key is | | | | facilitator, the intention is for a set to be self |
| asking the right question, and exposing yourself to | | | | sustaining. With no outside help.This makes them |
| an answer that may be uncomfortable.Within | | | | very cheap, and an environment where you can |
| action learning having the right sort of climate is | | | | learn some of the fundamental skills needed to be |
| important. Trust is key to this. | | | | an effective businessman.Roger Croft is Managing |
| For instance if you were having a meeting and | | | | Director of PRD partnership which helps |
| the following signals were given, how would you | | | | commercialise ideas into new products, services |
| feel?1.'I'm judging you'2.'I'm in charge'3.'I can | | | | or new processes. He also works with the |
| manipulate you'4.'I don't give a damn about | | | | University of Bath Small Busines Hub, writing and |
| you'5.'I'm superior to you'6.'My mind is made up. | | | | delivering courses and seminars for small |
| Nothing you can say will alter it'(Gibb, J, (1961). | | | | businesses. |
| Defensive communication. Journal of | | | | |