Comments from participants

Here are some of the things people have said about their experience as quoted in Action Learning: A Practical Guide by Krystyna Weinstein (Gower 1998).

• What distinguishes the action learning spirit is that it's not about answers to questions, or solely decision-oriented; nor is it about getting advice or information. It's about questions and space to talk and think.

• Ignorance is 'ok'. I'm allowed to not know things. We're often so afraid of asking questions in case people think us stupid.

• It gives you much wider horizons and understanding of the organisation

• Before, I'd simply focus on what I wanted to achieve - but how I was going to was not something I spent too much time thinking about. Now I set goals, consider options for getting there, flag up issues I need to consider further.

• I was really amazed at how people from other functions were able to help me - simply by asking intelligent questions which made me stop and think.

• It produces a radical change in how you operate. You are personally challenged. The onus is on you as a person, and not simply you as a role-player in some large organisational theatre. It makes you confront who you are, how you want to be, what's stopping you and what you're doing to yourself and others.

• I'm excited by its common sense. It takes away the fear of ignorance - which instead becomes a source of strength, because you've identified what you don't know, and that's the first step to begin to learn, to ask questions, and to apply that in the everyday situations you operate in.

• I didn't realise how powerful - but also how unnerving - it was to be the focus of everyone's attention, to have their undivided attention. It felt wonderful.

• As you explain things to the set, you hear your own inconsistencies, the missing elements, the illogicalities. But you need to do it out loud.

• Good questions tease out the real issues. They get you to think. They're often questions you haven't thought of, or ones you wouldn't dream - or want - to ask yourself.

• The most common problem that everyone faces is relationships with others. By hearing others grapple with this you gain ideas about how to cope differently yourself.

• I always come away fired with energy and confidence.