Scenario: Puzzle

As an action learning coach, how would you handle the following situation:

The presented problem is how do I update the operating system on my laptop.

Tags: Action Learning Coach, WIAL Action Learning

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Comments (11)

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    Bel Villavicencio

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    There is a definite way of updating the operating system of a laptop. This is not a problem for Action Learning. For someone requesting this, I would refer them to someone who knows how to do it.

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    annemartinc

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    I would ask the problem presenter and/or the team – What makes a good Action Learning problem? – in order to make this a learning opportunity. Then I would ask if there another problem, that is urgent and important (could be related to technology) where there isn’t an acceptable solution that the team could solve.

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    DrBea

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    Agreed. I might let the team work on it for a little bit of time to determine if there was something else behind this symptom but once I was sure it was a puzzle instead of a problem, I’d ask this team is this a puzzle or a problem? Once they agreed it was a puzzle – I’d ask what problem the team might be able to work on today to get the most from the Action Learning experience.

    The only time I’ve seen this situation is in a public demonstration of Action Learning where the problems have not been vetted before the demonstration.

    Happy Coaching
    Bea

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    Dr. Eduardo S Rodela

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    I believe that this situation could have been avoided up front when both meeting with major stakeholders about the purpose of action learning and with any training about the process takes place.

    If the AL coach is already in front of the group, the group can be asked if any other related problem can be pursued using AL process. Remind the group that we are looking for challenges that do not have an existing solution, a puzzle.

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    Jean_1959

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    Of course I agree with Bea
    However; I wonder if this is the actual “problem” that the group has identified, or the presenting problem that hasn’t been vetted yet with the group – once problem consensus has happened, it might be the root cause is much deeper. Also, would this have not been clarified during the contracting stage with the client?

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    Elaine Henry-McQueen

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    My response would be based on the time that this problem is presented. If it is presented at the preparation stage, that is in the discussions between the coach and the organisation before the action learning group has come together, I would clarify the difference between a puzzle and a problem, and through question, let the presenter/organisation recognise that this is not a problem for action learning.

    If it is presented during the action learning session, I would let the team work on it for a short time to be sure that there is no bigger issue behind it. Once this is clear, I will ask the group whether there is need for a full session or series of sessions to find a breakthrough solution, and why. I would then indicate that this is an example of a puzzle, and ask the group to share features of problems that they think action learning might be able to help with. We will end the session with the sharing on application of the leadership skills which would have already been selected at the start of the session.

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    HEEJAE YOO

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    The presented problem is not for the problem in Action Learning, I would explain PP what the definition of Action Learning is. I would ask them that they are considering whether it is suitable questions or not.

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    Monthon

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    If this is the real situation that could not deal to make an agreement before the session.
    As a Coach I would let the team begins with this problem, as Team would learn something from the process.

    However, at the reflection time Coach may need to make term lean on setting the problem by asking
    – As a Team, What we can learn on setting the problem for the Action Learning Session?

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    Ina Sugiarto

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    Coach asks to the tam, “who has the first question?” and then coach ensure the team dynamic in respond to the problem always focus to “how do I update the operating system on my laptop?” coach should ensure with asking “how are we doing so far to this problem?” “what are we doing well?” “what could we do better?” “do we have agree to the problem?” and coach should ensure team member write the agreement down. I all of the session the most important is the coach keep the action/solution balanced with learning, and all team member contributed in Action Learning Session.

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    Francine van der Jagt

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    If this should occur during the preparation of a session, I would ask the problem presenter: “How is this affecting you most?” and explore if there is a problem underneath the puzzle together. If not, I would ask the team to present another problem.

    If this should occur during a session (in spite of the preparation) I would ask all team members how this is affecting them and by doing that explore if there is a problem.

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    Hans Gelten

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    As a coach I will not proceed to a full scale Action Learning session, since the problem can be solved with a clear instruction of actions. I would kindly suggests the problem owner to make contact with an IT specialist to solve the problem

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