18: Five Ways to Support People in Learning

As leaders, we need to support learning right after it happens. In this episode, I'll review fives ways you can do this as a leader. To reach me with questions, comments, or feedback: CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback 1) Provide opportunities Find something for them to start to use what they've just learned. If you need to, help create opportunities! 2) Review the actions taken Do a debrief afterwards - particularly if something didn't work well. The sooner it happens, the more likely it is that you'll reinforce good habits and correct poor ones. Avoid reviewing things weeks or months after they happen. 3) Inquire about what they are thinking, feeling, or noticing I mentioned Peter Senge's Fifth Discipline Fieldbook You won't hear much at first but over time you'll hear people say lots of things 4) Correct the flight plan Here's a link to a great article on this concept from Tim Enochs 5) Use encouragement Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Dale Carnegie says "Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise" in How to Win Friends and Influence People. This is a must read for any leader. Also, review episode #9 from this show for a detailed overview on giving encouragement through recognition. Listener Feedback CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback Stefan Schulz wrote from Germany to let me know about a brief video on the central concepts from Daniel Pink's recent book called Drive. Here's a link to the video and also a link to this important book. If you read no other book in 2012, this one is a must. Thank you Stefan for your feedback and I'm thrilled to have you as a listener! My wife Bonni (and president of Innovate Learning) sent me an article this week related to our topic from episode #16 on how to spend $700 on your professional development. MIT is launching a new, low-cost online certificate program. Here's a link to the article on Inc. and also a link to MIT's announcement about the program. Stay tuned for more! A Final Note - Where We Are Heading in 2012 The pilot of this show is over. A full production schedule is coming in 2012. We begin with personal leadership in January. Call and send feedback in advance and help shape the direction of this show in 2012. Stay connected with this show on iTunes or on Facebook I'd love your feedback on this show as well as any questions or topics you'd like me to address in future shows: CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback See you in a week for the next episode!