Experiential learning is the most effective way to create successful leaders in your company.
Why?
Because leadership skills can’t be plucked from a textbook, and managing people isn’t learned during a homework assignment.
No, it’s learned through experience.
Of course theory is important, but experiential learning is active, it’s tangible, it’s personal, it’s relevant, and we see learners on our leadership courses thriving with this approach.
Last year alone at Instep, we guided X amount of people through leadership training, with their courses deliberately set up to allow learners to shape their learning around their day-to-day roles.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly why experiential learning is proving to be successful for so many companies and learners alike.
What Exactly is Experiential Learning?
If you’ve ever had to write an essay at university, you may have come across a man called David Kolb – the man who coined the phrased ‘experiential learning’ in the 1970’s.
According to Kolb, this method is effective because it involves a cycle of the following:
- Concrete Experience: Doing something or having a specific experience.
- Reflective Observation: Thinking about what happened during that experience.
- Abstract Conceptualisation: Learning from the experience and forming new ideas or concepts.
- Active Experimentation: Trying out what you’ve learned in new situations.
Putting this into practice means engaging in activities that require the application of knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.
This approach not only enhances understanding but also improves retention and the ability to apply what has been learned.
Which is exactly why we use this methodology in our leadership courses.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
One of the key benefits of experiential learning is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Traditional learning methods often focus on theoretical knowledge, which can be difficult to apply in practical situations.
Experiential learning, on the other hand, immerses learners in real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context.
For instance, an aspiring leader may learn about ‘active listening’ as a fundamental management skill, but an example of experiential learning may be that person leading a weekly meeting and changing their communication style.
Kolb’s theory would then dictate the aspiring leader should reflect on their experience and look at what they may do differently moving forward.
Without the real life experience, the learner would remain inexperienced.
Enhancing Engagement and Motivation
Experiential learning is inherently engaging and motivating.
When learners are actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to be invested in their own development.
At Instep, we’ve seen how hands-on learning activities can boost engagement and motivation among employees.
For example, Amann, a prestigious manufacturing company, implemented training provided by Instep UK.
This training involved hands-on tasks and problem-solving activities, which led to significant improvements in employee engagement and productivity.
As a result, the company was able to identify new talent, implement staff suggestions for operational improvements, and increase output for a major client.
Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Experiential learning is particularly effective in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
By engaging in real-world challenges, learners are encouraged to think critically and develop solutions to complex problems.
This approach leans towards a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhances the ability to think on one’s feet.
A case study from the Harvard Business School highlights how their experiential learning programmes have helped students develop these essential skills, preparing them for leadership roles in various industries.
Promoting Collaboration and Teamwork
Hands-on learning activities often involve collaboration and teamwork, which are essential skills in today’s workplace and a huge part of what it means to be a leader.
Experiential learning provides opportunities for learners to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collectively.
At Instep, we incorporate team-based projects and group activities into our training programs to promote collaboration.
For example, Eddie Stobart, a leading transport and logistics company, implemented a bespoke talent development programme provided by Instep UK.
This program included team-based simulations and collaborative activities, which significantly improved team cohesion and project outcomes.
In the end, Eddie Stobart were able to enhance their leadership capabilities and operational efficiency.
How to Use Experiential Learning to Promote Leadership
As we’ve stated, experiential learning stands out as the most effective way to cultivate successful leaders within your company.
And by promoting this way of learning, you are giving you or your team the best chance of up-skilling and making a higher impact in the workplace.
At Instep, all our courses are designed to let learners get hands on, and learn on the job.
So, are you ready to embrace the power of experiential learning?
Get in touch and unlock the full potential of your team.
