Compass Consulting Associates: The Business System Lab for Operating-Level Teams: Action Learning Projects Design / Focus

Action Learning Projects Design / Focus

Although many people learn well by reading and listening, virtually everyone learns best by doing. Experiential learning, especially when done in team situations, cements ideas and skills in ways that traditional approaches to learning can't match.

This is how we design The BSL action learning projects for maximum results:

Four teams – one designated to each of the four focal points: marketing, operations, finance, and purpose/culture.
Cross functional teams – members selected to encourage different perspectives.
Teams identify and select a project that will satisfy learning objectives and positively impact the organization.
Project duration ranges from one to six months, depending on project requirements and team member availability.
Instructors meet with teams to facilitate, coach, and monitor project progress.
Teams prepare and present findings and recommendations to upper management.

As participants experience the interdependencies of modern organizations, they are thinking as a CEO would, not as a mid- or first-line manager, supervisor or technical professional tied to a product line or function. They are asked to face contradictions and conflicts and negotiate a solution that benefits the organization as a whole. Top management will see what each team comes up with, and how their ideas can impact the organization's future.

Potential Project Focus Areas
Example Project Assignments
Standard Project Schedule