Action Learning

Over this week, I’ll be doing an in-depth review of Optimizing the Power of Action Learning: Solving Problems and Building Leaders in Real Time by Michael J. Marquardt (Davis-Black Publishers, 2004). CEO’s and Leaders—put this book on your MUST BUY list.

This is the FIRST of several posts on Action Learning.

Besides having one of the longest titles in publishing {Smile} Action Learning (abbreviated for obvious reasons), will be a transformative read for anyone who takes it seriously. It certainly has been for me. It’s like I have rediscovered the obvious…that people learn best when they are engaged and the best way to engage them is to ask questions. Just ask Socrates!

Action learning has been around since the 1940s when Reg Revans physicist, turned management guru, used this technique in England when dealing with the coal industry. Michael Marquardt has not only been a devotee but now is THE Action Learning guru of today. A professor at George Washington, Michael leads a group call the Global Institute for Action Learning. His book will be reviewed this week.

Buy it, try it (action learning) and live by it—great stuff indeed.