The team in a single problem action learning set asks questions to the sponsor (the boss), and in addition to just answering the question, the sponsor talks about the context, history, options, ideas for solutions … and this even when the question asked was a closed one … Even if the team members become aware of this, they struggle – in particular in a high power distance (respect for authority) – to do anything about it. How would you as a coach intervene ?

As an Action Learning Coach how would you handle the following situation:

The problem presented is outside the control or influence of the problem presenter and the team. For instance: A consultants presents about an organization he does not consult for – Organization A has a culture of fear.

As an Action Learning Coach how would you handle the following situation:

The team is shifting in their understanding of the true nature of the problem. For instance the original problem is presented as “How should we restructure the organization for efficiency?” and they are shifting to “The communication between team members has eroded to the point that we work against each other instead of helping each other.”

As an Action Learning Coach how would you handle the following situation:

The problem presenter decides to test the team by giving mis-information to the team. By the time this becomes apparent, many of the team members are upset to varying degrees.

As an Action Learning Coach how would you handle the following situation:

All of the questions are directed at the problem presenter. During the check-in the problem presenter says – “I feel like I am on a firing line.”