How to create an action learning environment that makes self- and social awareness businesslike

Promoting open reflection and exploration on group dynamics is delicate work and is often considered ‘not very business-like’ in a business context. How to approach this work is a constant balance and struggle for action learning practitioners. In this account of practice, we present central elements in our action learning framework – Action Lab® – where the design builds on Business Driven Action Learning. We share core ideas and assumptions behind our action learning approach, which is informed by a systems psychodynamic understanding of groups. This account of practice aims at sharing and discussing ideas and distinctive work modes for creating double awareness – i.e. how to maintain a balanced awareness of task and process and how to increase self and social awareness – in a performance-driven business contexts.