What is the difference between action learning and coaching?
Both executive coaching and action learning (as applied to management development) are concerned with change within the business environment. Action learning is usually project-based, in that participants in an action-learning group seek to make practical progress on a complex, important issue or problem. Coaching also focuses on the coachee taking practical action and making progress on key issues. Action learning differs to coaching in that in coaching the coach has the key relationship with the individual. In action learning the key relationships are with other group members. In a sense, group members act as ‘coach’ for each other. However the importance of an external coach cannot be under estimated, as the coach will have both a strategic and tactical role. An external coach can work with a coachee and reflect back some of the organisational behaviours as well as individual behaviours.
