The purpose of questions in action learning sets is to help the presenter with the issue or problem find solutions from within themselves.
Reg Revan’s, the founder of Action Learning stated that:
“Subjects learn only of their own volition and never at the will of others…they are not taught by others, but learn "within themselves," largely by the reorganisation or extension of what they already know”.
On this basis the questions asked in action learning sets should aspire to contain what the presenter in an action learning set, ‘already knows’.
Therefore it is crucial that questions for a presenter are free of the opinions, advice and point of view of fellow set members.
Consider the following 2 exchanges in an action learning set:
Exchange 1.
Pete: I’m unsure as to whether now is the right time to expand in Eastern Europe
Julia: Don’t you think that would be a bit unwise considering the instability of the Euro right now?
Exchange 2.
Pete: I’m unsure as to whether now is the right time to expand in Eastern Europe
Mary: When do you think would be the right time?
Questions like the one in the first exchange take the focus away from the presenter. Peter now has to consider Julia’s point of view. In the second exchange by using Peter’s words Mary’s question allows Peter to look within himself.
Many of the people I work with in the public sector are extremely conditioned to solve problems and sort things out for others. So when first introduced to action learning they find it difficult not to offer questions to a presenter that contain advice and solutions.
Therefore, an important role for an action learning facilitator is to model asking non-directive questions.
Top tips I give my set members when asking questions:
- Don’t jump in too early with a question
- Allow silence for the presenter to think
- Listen first, ask questions later
- Use the presenters words and phrases to form the content of your question
- If you haven’t got a question, don’t panic, just ‘pass’
- You don’t have to fix this
2 Responses
Best questions from an Action Learning Set
Great advice Emma! One of the most memorable questions I have heard , following an open invitation to highlight any serious issues any member of the Set might be facing at work, was as below. It was particularly memorable because, in a group of very senior executives from completely different businesses, it was totally unexpected by not being directly business-related , it showed considerable courage in apparently ‘going off piste’ and it showed great trust in the group in raising a very personal dilemma.
The question was: "I am the Group FD of a large international IT company, my husband runs a local car dealership. He leaves me to do all the domestic duties at home and look after all the kids’ needs. What can I do about this?"
Like all good questions in such a group, there was nobody who couldn’t relate to it and contribute a wealth of insight, and we all learned something really important to each of us in our own very different circumstances.
Which is why I am such a great admirer of the practical power of Action Learning.
What are the best questions to ask in Action Learning Sets?
Yes, I agree Jeremy – when people ask questions like this one in an action learning set – then we know we are in the arena of transformation! Thank you — Emma