A couple of weeks ago we wrote a blog about setting intentions which was all about how to turn goals and aspirations into reality. There is the same inherent challenge in learning: how do we move from intention to action? Taking a course or attending a training workshop only goes so far; it’s not until we put what we’ve learned into action that we see real change. This is where the magic happens, and it’s what we specialise in at iTS Leadership.

Gap analysis

Turning learning into action is the missing piece in many development programmes and training sessions available on the market. Typically, a group of delegates gather in a room, often having been mandated to take the course. They sit and listen, they take part in activities and role play, they make notes and ask questions. But the chances are that, even those who are highly engaged on the day, will revert to the old ways of doing things when they leave the room. Despite the very best of intentions, and possibly a considerable amount of investment, this gap results in very little long-term benefit.

The iTS Leadership difference

Every interaction we have with our clients is wholly focused on turning learning into action. We are obsessed with closing this gap. Whether a mentoring meeting, a team development day, a DiamondEDGE workshop or a leadership programme, in every session we ask, “How can you turn the learning into action?”

Learning takes many forms. Sometimes clients are learning from us, with each other; sometimes they’re learning from each other under our guidance; sometimes we’re even learning from them! But in every case, the learning is captured and then actioned, with a clear accountability process.

Accountability is the key to turning learning into action. In an ideal world, every learner has an accountability partner – a mentor, facilitator or colleague – or a group of learners could form a cohort to support each other, to ensure that every learning activity has a follow-up process attached to it. Then it’s possible to examine what has been learned and the subsequent action that has been taken, frequently in a continuous and ongoing loop of accountability.

The learning journey

Every journey starts with a single step, and learning can feel more achievable and rewarding when it’s broken down into smaller parts, with simpler actions. Regular ‘wins’ encourage us to continue and provide an important sense of accomplishment as we learn.

When undertaking a journey, it will always be easier and more fun with a companion. While some of our client work (such as mentoring) is one-to-one, many of our learning programmes involve group work, which inevitably creates a community of learning practice. It is one of our greatest joys to see clients learning with each other and from each other, providing support and encouragement as they collectively turn their learning into action. When there are bumps in the road or milestones reached, there’s always someone to share the experience.

Take your first step

If you’re stuck in a cycle of dead-end learning, or wondering where the value has gone from long-forgotten past training, maybe it’s time to try a new approach. The first step on your new journey to turn learning into action is to get in touch with us.

Let’s start something new!

Get in touch with us today and take the first steps to transforming your business.