Many executives say they would like to see their people take more initiative to learn and change, but our basic assumptions about learning may get in the way. Over the years, I’ve experimented with Collegial Action Learning, an approach that gives learners ownership of learning objectives, approaches and outcomes. This post describes what I have […]
The downsides of framing learning as a marketplace
In my last post, I looked at the role of the teacher in the learning process. I described my sense that great teachers are great because they help learners find their own reasons for learning. I also lamented the fact that formal learning systems tend to be teacher-centric and teaching-centric, and that this seems acceptable […]
Great teachers let the learner take charge
The teaching profession has always held a certain attraction for me. I don’t think I am unique in saying that many of those who have had the greatest impact on my thinking have been teachers. I have great respect for the champions of education, including those with alternative titles such as facilitator, trainer, coach or consultant. […]
Mindset – Do you REALLY believe you can learn?
Do you really believe you can learn? According to Carol Dweck, author of Mindset, this is a more nuanced question than you might think. Her research indicates that people operate with one of two assumptions about their abilities. Some people assume their abilities are innate and cannot be changed. Dweck calls this a fixed mindset. Others assume […]
Clear Expectations Set the Stage for Effective Feedback and Coaching
We are in a feedback and coaching boom. Most people agree that if your goal is to change behavior, feedback and coaching are more useful than screaming and criticizing. Indeed, some managers have become so committed to feedback and coaching that they avoid giving directions at all. Their rationale is that they don’t want to […]
Punishing mistakes can be risky business
When you realize you’ve made a mistake or that you are heading toward one, how do you react? My work with organizations often incorporates concepts and tools with roots in action research and positive psychology. Action research is a methodology for bringing the power of the scientific method and collaborative learning to the workplace. Positive psychology explores […]
Grit = Perseverance + Passion x Purpose
Are you keeping your nose to the grindstone? Most people know the value of hard work, so it’s not surprising that when achievement-oriented people are dissatisfied with their performance, they usually ask themselves, ”Could I be working harder?” The answer, of course, is usually ”Yes.” There’s always another hour to carve out of sleeping time, […]
Quality Time
When was the last time you took a little break, got away from it all and spent a little quality time with your work? The amount of time we devote to work is truly impressive, but how much quality do we get with the quantity? If you have ever multi-tasked your way through a long, […]
Making waves in an inter-connected world
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead A defining characteristic of modern existence is the degree to which our work and lives are embedded in systems that seem too large and complex for any one individual […]
Self-Interest does not entail selfishness
If you are like me, you probably have a list of things you think you ought to do something about. I’m not talking about the big things like world peace or eradicating hunger. Maybe you’d just like contribute to creating a more human-friendly workplace or reduce the environmental impact of your business. If you are […]