Study of a self-managed action learning set: what makes it last 14 years?

Abstract

What contributes to longevity in an action learning (AL) set? What holds it together over a long period? The article relates the chronology and reasons why a self-managed set has flourished when so many sets of voluntary membership peter out. Major attributes of successful longevity are the adherence to strong ground rules and disciplined recruitment. The author, a member of the set, uses anecdotal data from interviews of existing and former set members to narrate picture of a group of action learners who attend set meetings regularly and enthusiastically. Another cause of longevity is the flexible employment of AL process serving the needs of professionally qualified people unstintingly learning from, and caring for, each other.

Keywords:

• word
• action learning
• action learning set
• self-managed action set

Acknowledgements

The author thanks current members Chris H., June, John, Fiona, Sonja, and former members, Anne and Mike. Thanks to Suzanne for his own interview. Special thanks to the spouses who have us in their homes and often creep quietly around us.

Notes

It: the member who has the rotated task of progressing the day's events (‘facilitator’ or ‘set adviser’ are avoided because the ‘it’ must have a light touch).