What are the critical success factors (CSFs) of executive action learning?
To succeed in implementing an action learning initiative, the leadership team needs to ensure the following: • Commitment from top management and team members • No hidden agendas. The CEOs must provide air cover. Like any successful meeting an atmosphere of openness and trust is critical to confronting sensitive internal issues • The learning context must be a company-specific working project • Scheduled lectures should be kept to a minimum and more time should be spent on action workshops, brainstorming meetings, problem-solving questions and planning • Flexibility in terms of scheduling • An independent, skilled and experienced facilitator is essential to the success of an action learning session. S/he must be perceived impartial with no internal agenda or conflict of interest (external management consultants are a better choice than internal staff). The ALE brings together the management team, asks questions to stimulate and validate their planning results and can provide new insigh
