Activity Overview

Most times leaders have to assist their staff with learning development plans. This activity identifies ways that the leader can teach in an active, impactful way.

Objectives

• To review participant experiences in learning situations.
• To demonstrate how a learning plan can be put together.
• To develop and implement one learning plan with employees.

Training Methods

• Discussion
• Presentation
• Writing

Materials Needed

Document attached : Generating Exemplary Learning Experiences

Room Setup

Tables and chairs

It is crucial to encourage people to repeatedly teach others what they have learned. When we teach others, we strengthen what we also have learned. We become role models, encouraging employees to pass on what they learn, as well. Ideally, this activity should be conducted after participants have gone through most leadership activities. They will be able to select a module they know they can adapt for execution with their own employees and develop a learning plan. If possible, do this module when there is time to implement these plans and report back the results at a subsequent event.

Step by Step Instructions

1. There is no better way to demonstrate the leader’s confidence in employees than to take time on a regular basis to teach them things that the leader is learning. It will build their skills and help you solidify your thinking on any given topic. For this reason, we recommend choosing a time each month to conduct a short training session with some group in your company.
2. Ask participants to describe a time when they knew they weren’t learning much. Perhaps it was because . . .
   – The presentation was lengthy.
   – There were no breaks in between.
   – The material was not connected to their work.
   – It lacked variety.
3. Hold a general discussion on the challenges. Now negate the discussion topic and talk about times when their teachings were meaningful. Perhaps it was because . . .
   – The learning was more “active.”
   – The material presented was relevant.
   – The timing was perfect.
4. Have a general discussion on what people do right. Give out handout: Generate Exemplary Learning Experiences and review it. Divide the participants into groups of four to six people. Ask each group to choose one of the activities they attended during previous leadership events that they would like to offer to their employees. Using the points on the attached document and ask participants to develop a learning plan. Allow enough time for this activity.
5. All participants should now be given the assignment to conduct the learning module their group has developed with a few of their employees, and be able to report back the results to this group.
6. Wrap up by reviewing the main points you discussed.

Activity Review

Take some time after conducting this activity to think about how it progressed, how engaged the participants were, and what questions were raised. Take some notes that include how much time you actually spent on the activity.