Every time we take on a new piece of work or find ourselves in a new situation we are learning new things. Learning is by no means restricted to the classroom. The way we learn, or our learning style, forms a key part of our personality, so we can find out a lot about ourselves – and others – by looking at learning preferences.
Is likely to get stuck in, tackle problems head-on, enjoy a challenge and live in the moment, get bored quickly.
What type of learning works for the Activist?
Learning through experience and activity, by generating ideas, and tackling challenges as part of a group.
What doesn’t work?
Passive learning, working alone, and the theory behind things.
Flat-packed furniture approach?
They’d probably just rip packaging straight off and get building.
Activists say things like:
I’ll do it. Let’s give it a try. Let’s just get started.
Is likely to think about things carefully, take time coming to the right conclusion, listen before offering their opinion.
What type of learning works for the Reflector?
Observation and review, producing analysis and reports.
What doesn’t work?
Having no time to prepare or complete a task, being thrown in at the deep end, and being the centre of attention.
Flat-packed furniture approach?
Well, they’d probably read the instructions, have a coffee and a think about it, and ask someone else if they have done it before.
Reflectors say things like:
We need to look at this from every angle. I need time to get it right. It’s not as easy at that.
Is likely to be detached, apply rational thinking, link together complex ideas to draw theories and conclusions.
What type of learning works for the Theorist?
Using their skills and knowledge in complex situations; concepts and ideas, a sense of structure; and the opportunity to question and explore.
What doesn’t work?
Doing things without knowing the concept, a lack of structure, emotional situations.
Flat-packed furniture approach?
The theorist will enjoy working out how to put the furniture together or be more concerned with how the item fits in to the room or the house.
Theorists say things like:
Let’s look at the bigger picture. Where does this fit in?
Is likely to try things out, apply things to their role, and solve problems in a practical way.
What type of learning works for the Pragmatist?
Clear links between new learning and their job, the chance to practice, top tips, and models they can copy.
What doesn’t work?
Lack of guidance, no obvious benefit or payback to the learning.
Flat-packed furniture approach?
The pragmatist is likely to read the instructions, so long as they are useful, and get to work.
Pragmatists say things like:
What is the point? What is the problem, and What are we going to do about it?
We hope you enjoyed this article, please share it if you know someone who may benefit from reading it, or browse the Management and Leadership courses we offer here, or Coaching and Mentoring courses here. All our courses are fully accredited by the CMI.
In the ever-shifting terrain of leadership, executives find themselves traversing a labyrinth of challenges, each demanding a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Exploring the depths of leadership challenges.
Drawing on over three decades of experience in the coaching field, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact leadership programs for executives can have on transforming organisations for the digital age.
Imagine yourself stepping into the role of an executive coach, equipped with years of expertise and a toolkit brimming with strategies to inspire, motivate, and empower your clients. As someone who has traversed this enriching terrain for over three decades, allow me to shed light on the profound rewards and boundless opportunities that await you in the realm of executive coaching.
Why most of us fail? If you are in the incredible 20% of people who hit their resolutions every year, congratulations! You are a rare breed 🙌🥳👏 For the rest of us, it is mostly a journey downwards into a spiral of failure, guilt, and frustration which circles back to thinking less of ourselves and hardly ever making us feel good or achieve anything meaningful. Most of us fail for three main reasons: Lack of clarity, Unreasonable expectations, and Lack of inspiration or passion.
With our support and encouragement, online distance learning is not an isolating experience. Our business management and leadership courses online are challenging, stimulating, rewarding and highly effective, giving you the chance to learn at a time and place that suits you. This is of particular benefit to you if you are studying while you work, based overseas or you travel a lot for your work.
© 2024 Sussex Business School | Registered in the UK No. 10692604 | CMI Approved Centre C10422273 | Website services with Lauren Land
