Learning
How the team engages in collective development, learns through challenge, and creates a peer-supported environment for growth.
Get another view on Learning in our blog article: Team Learning & Development
Why Learning Matters for Your Team
A strong learning orientation is a hallmark of successful and resilient teams.
Drives Innovation & Adaptability
Teams that prioritize learning are better equipped to generate novel solutions and adapt to changing circumstances.
[Senge, 1990]Enhances Problem-Solving
A commitment to learning from challenges and diverse experiences improves the team's ability to tackle complex problems effectively.
[Ellis & Davidi, 2005]Boosts Capability
Peer-supported development and active team learning behaviors ensure the team works together to continuously improve both collective and individual capability.
[Van den Bossche et al., 2006]Increases Engagement & Motivation
Opportunities for growth and development are strong motivators, leading to higher team member engagement and satisfaction.
[Hackman & Oldham, 1976]Strengthens Team Cohesion & Support
Peer-supported learning and shared developmental experiences build trust, encourage collaboration, and foster shared understanding.
[Kozlowski & Ilgen, 2006]Spotlight on Learning
When Your Team is Excelling
Active Collective Development
The team proactively sets goals for its development and dedicates time to enhancing collective skills and knowledge
There's a visible culture of learning shared with others, and the team is seen as constantly evolving
Members actively come together to diagnose areas for team improvement and share insights
Effective Learning Through Challenge
Challenges and even failures are viewed as valuable opportunities to learn and grow together
Constructive feedback is regularly exchanged and used to support performance and development
Team members support each other through difficult circumstances, using these experiences to build collective resilience and understanding
Strong Peer Supported Environment
Team members actively offer and seek support to progress work and overcome obstacles
Individuals listen carefully to learn from each other and openly share knowledge
There's a strong sense that team members can count on each other for help and that everyone contributes to the growth of others
When Your Team Might Be Struggling
Stagnant Collective Development
The team rarely dedicates time to their collective development; there's no clear focus or goals for the team's development
A learning culture is not fostered or demonstrated; the team may seem resistant to new ideas or approaches
Opportunities to diagnose areas for improvement as a group are missed or avoided
Ineffective Learning Through Challenge
Challenges or setbacks are viewed negatively, leading to blame or avoidance rather than learning
Constructive feedback is rare, feared, or not acted upon, hindering individual and team growth
Team members may not support each other effectively during difficult times, missing chances to build collective resilience
Low Peer Support Environment
Team members may not offer help readily, or support for progressing work is inconsistent
Listening to understand and learn from peers is not a common practice; knowledge sharing is limited
Individuals may not feel they can count on their colleagues for learning support, or they may not actively help others grow
When Your Team is Excelling
When Your Team Might Be Struggling
Active Collective Development
The team proactively sets goals for its development and dedicates time to enhancing collective skills and knowledge
There's a visible culture of learning shared with others, and the team is seen as constantly evolving
Members actively come together to diagnose areas for team improvement and share insights
Stagnant Collective Development
The team rarely dedicates time to their collective development; there's no clear focus or goals for the team's development
A learning culture is not fostered or demonstrated; the team may seem resistant to new ideas or approaches
Opportunities to diagnose areas for improvement as a group are missed or avoided
Effective Learning Through Challenge
Challenges and even failures are viewed as valuable opportunities to learn and grow together
Constructive feedback is regularly exchanged and used to support performance and development
Team members support each other through difficult circumstances, using these experiences to build collective resilience and understanding
Ineffective Learning Through Challenge
Challenges or setbacks are viewed negatively, leading to blame or avoidance rather than learning
Constructive feedback is rare, feared, or not acted upon, hindering individual and team growth
Team members may not support each other effectively during difficult times, missing chances to build collective resilience
Strong Peer Supported Environment
Team members actively offer and seek support to progress work and overcome obstacles
Individuals listen carefully to learn from each other and openly share knowledge
There's a strong sense that team members can count on each other for help and that everyone contributes to the growth of others
Low Peer Support Environment
Team members may not offer help readily, or support for progressing work is inconsistent
Listening to understand and learn from peers is not a common practice; knowledge sharing is limited
Individuals may not feel they can count on their colleagues for learning support, or they may not actively help others grow
Strategies to Strengthen Learning
Set Team Development Goals
As a team, identify 1-2 key areas for collective development over the next quarter or year and create a plan to achieve them.
Schedule Regular Learning Time
Dedicate specific, protected time in team meetings or separate sessions for collective learning activities (e.g., skill workshops, knowledge sharing).
Conduct "After Action Reviews"
After significant projects or events (both successes and failures), hold a team discussion to identify what was learned and what could be improved.
Frame Challenges as Learning Opportunities
When faced with a setback or complex problem, explicitly guide the team to ask, "What can we learn from this?"
Cultivate a Feedback Culture
Establish team norms for exchanging feedback and make it a regular part of team interactions.
Introduce Peer Mentoring
Have team members with specific capabilities serve as peer mentors to support the team's learning in specific areas.