Managers and Leaders Action Learning Sets: How they work

Action learning sets are small groups of people who are willing to offer as well as seek help from one another in a supportive and confidential learning environment.

• Each 90-minute session begins with a brief introduction to the structure and agenda.
• You will then be divided into small groups of up to eight.
• Meetings are managed by a facilitator.
• Each person succinctly presents their issue that they would like support with, and captures it in a short sentence.
• The group decides which issue to focus on.
• The remainder of time is spent exploring this issue with a set format (Google Slides).

Below is a list (not exhaustive) of example issues:

• Increasing workload and prioritisation.
• Wellbeing and concerns around burnout.
• Decreased morale and engagement.
• Disruption in team dynamics.
• Managing poor performance.
• Dealing with conflict in teams.

Issues are not shared in advance of the session or organised into themes. This is so that the sessions can focus on whatever is the most pressing issue for group members to discuss on the day.