Learning through action
When developing skills, the traditional 'chalk and talk' approach is useful for knowledge transfer but when it comes to results, impact and real change, experiential learning or 'learning by doing' is what really makes a difference. We've been developing outstanding leaders for over 30 years by creating meaningful learning experiences through an experiential learning approach. It has proven to have a profound and positive impact on how people develop and our experience is supported by extensive research.
When creating development programmes we start with the desired outcomes and design activities to test and challenge the participants to ensure they are given the space and environment to not just practice and develop their own skills but to also explore why they might behave a certain way and how particular behaviours might limit their own performance. The 'experience' helps to 're-programme' new habits and leads to increased self-awareness and a more conscious approach to their leadership or management style. It is the expertise of the facilitator to provide the support and challenge needed to turn these personal insights into tangible development opportunities and then to ensure the learning can be transferred to the workplace situation. This approach is why we don't talk about 'training', we provide 'development'. The difference is significant and yields far better results, improved performance and, very often, greater personal satisfaction.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do”
Experiential Learning
Successful experiential learning depends on participants being given the opportunity to practice, experiment and develop their skills in an activity which allows them to explore a 'whole person response' i.e. mind, body and emotion. The activity must, however, be contextualised which requires the facilitator to ensure the learning experience is related directly back to the workplace situation. This avoids a 'hypothetical' learning situation which is far less impactful. It is all in the skill of the facilitator to be able to make this happen and to guide the individual through the reflection process to help gain understanding of the multi-dimensional impact of the learning opportunity.
Surprising and positive results
As participants are tested in new and unfamiliar situations they often experience surprising and positive results. This builds on the sense of achievement and leaves participants with not just an improved repertoire but greater competence and confidence in their own contribution which re-energises them as they return to the workplace.
Creating a safe space for experimentation with low stakes and the opportunity to improve with developmental and focused feedback
When designing experiential learning activities, conditions are created to mimic how the dynamics play out in the real world with facilitators helping participants to examine options, implications and applying new skills without the 'politics' of the day-to-day.
Building confidence through highly engaging, interactive and real-play activities that develop mindset AND thinking as well as practical skills
The learning is immersive with participants receiving the support and guidance to understand their 'whole-person response' to situations i.e. emotional, physical and cognitive response.
Experiential learning that drives real behaviour change
Learning builds on previous activities to allow the process of assimilation. As participants apply newly developed behaviours they experience new and positive outcomes, providing a sense of success and gratification at their improved performance. This leads to greater success, with participants motivated to embed the learning and continue to take ownership for their continued development beyond the programme. And, yes, we even design experiential programmes virtually.
The Leadership Immersion Programme
A 5 day programme delivered to the Gtech team at Google in New Orleans, consisting of combined visits to community projects, charities, businesses and entrepreneurs. Designed to showcase and explore the concept of customer 'care' with reflections and shaping of the leadership vision to take back to the business and implement.
Find out moreMaking learning meaningful
If you're looking to develop your people with a development programme that goes far beyond standard training, helping participants to make transformational changes in their management and leadership styles, get in touch. We will work with you to uncover the challenges and opportunities and create a programme which will unlock performance and ensure you're future-ready as an organisation.
“From my perspective the participants were fully engaged, demonstrated great teamwork and presented their leadership learning journey and group projects with passion, commitment and confidence. I could not believe you would be able to convert such an impactful leadership programme into a virtual programme and achieve such amazing results.”
Why choose us?
Investing in developing your leaders and teams will help you maximise performance, increase productivity, improve workplace relationships and improve employee retention. The results we achieve for our clients are the best testament for our unique approach.
How we can support you
We will work with you to design a customised programme which allows participants to apply their learning back in the workplace. We will give them the knowledge, skills and tools to be able to improve their own performance and that of their teams. Speak to the team or check out our work to find out more about how we get the results that we do.
Meet the Team
Our accredited consultants will work with you in employing the right tool for your requirements. They are highly skilled in uncovering insight and understanding and working with clients, supporting their adult development.
Find out moreFuture Skills Portfolio
Our Future Skills portfolio offers a tried and tested, flexible, modular approach to people development. Find out more or speak to the team about a customised solution, specifically designed to address the challenges your teams are facing now.
Find out moreSee Our Work
With over 30 years' experience in people and leadership development and consulting, we've worked with global organisations in diverse sectors, fostering highly collaborative working relationships built on trust and expertise.
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