An Action Learning Lab provides a reliable way—a unique forum, methods and tools—to foresee what’s needed next, and to show the way.

How does it work?
An individual or a group brings sensitive questions and dilemmas, and together we explore the associated patterns and dynamics. We go beyond talking about the issues and merely sharing opinions. We use simulation and modeling to conduct fast-cycle experiments. We also practice new behaviors, including ways to adapt to resistance and fatigue when trying to implement something new in a larger system.

How have others benefited?

• Dr. William Ury, co-author of “Getting To Yes”, and his colleagues at The Global Project on Negotiation at Harvard University developed a new approach to conflict resolution for the Middle East.

• HP anticipated and eliminated breakdowns associated with global deployment of enterprise software.

• Intuit leveraged its Learning and Development function to help accelerate transformation of a key business unit.

• The Whidbey Institute realized a dramatic turn-around for its entire organization.

Play Video of Dr. William Ury Discussing a Lab

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During the Wisdom Lab on November 5, we demonstrated our method of “coming alongside” (to use a nautical term) in order to partner with individuals and organizations in the discovery and guidance of what is already in progress. First, we looked at “how” the individual or organization responded to questions and dilemmas that resist easy answers.

We looked closely at the varied responses which allowed us to see otherwise hidden possibilities. We introduced the term gesture as a way to identify underlying impulses. It was through gesture that we started to uncover what is happening now and then to work with adaptive responses.

A number of you asked for examples. Please download our paper and chart describing the characteristics of life-cycle stages of organizations showing gestures appropriate to each stage: Gestures, the key to emergence