1. June HR Lunch & Learn: Introduction to Learning Circles

2. Our Session BEFORE DURING AFTER What’s a Learning Circle?
Getting Ready for a Session……….…
Creating Interaction and Insight…….…
Setting up a Commitment to Action…..
SharePoint Site
Questions
BEFORE
DURING
Why important to business? Why important to individual?
AFTER

3. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

4. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

5. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

6. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

7. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

8. What is a Learning Circle
Concept

9. What is a Learning Circle
Definition
Small, diverse group (8-10 people)
Meet regularly over a period of weeks / months
Set ground rules for a respectful, productive discussion
Are usually led by a facilitator who is impartial but helps to manage the deliberation process
Look at an issue from different points of view
Act as a vehicle to discover, share, and express knowledge
Start where people are and encourages growth
Involve a spiraling process of reflection and action

10. What is a Learning Circle
Facilitation
The facilitator is not expected to be an expert on the topic
Their most important tasks are to be organized and to ensure that the logistics support the success of the circle, including room set-up, scheduling, sending out guides
The facilitator follows the procedures of the Circle and keeps the discussion focused on the topic or issue, making sure no one person dominates.
Goal is to move to rotating the facilitator position from meeting to meeting – after group is ready

11. What is a Learning Circle
Facilitator Led
Topic Focused
45-60 minutes
Pre-Assignment
10-15 Minute Activity
Practice
Observation
Reading
Video
Format
Learning circles are targeted at 60 minutes, flexibility to go to 90 if needed (exception)
Facilitator guides and handouts will be provided to support the process
Circle launch coordinator is assigned to get things started
Circle facilitation should be shared – each group can decide

12. What is a Learning Circle
HR Consulting Model
HR Consulting Principles
SCARF model
Decide (bias)
Question Thinking
Topics
Connection/Meaning
HR Systems/Processes
Critical Conversations
Financial Acumen
2016 HR
Virtual
Conference

13. What is a Learning Circle
Calendar
Communication of circle assignment by July 1
Launch sent by July 8 (includes guide)
First meeting – introduction call – by July 30
Three assigned circle topics by September 30
HR Virtual conference in October?

14. Getting Ready for a Session
BEFORE
Schedule a time and room for meeting – may want to check in with members on best times and days
Send out guide and supporting documentation prior to session
Review the Session Guide – be comfortable with the order and any special tasks you need to do to prep
Set-up the room – General suggestion is a circle with no obstructions blocking the view of the other participants
DURING
AFTER

15. Facilitating a Great Session
BEFORE
Make it Safe for Participants
Handle challenging people with grace
Know your game plan
Leading great conversation
Review the Session Guide – be comfortable with the order and any special tasks you need to do to prep
Set-up the room – General suggestion is a circle with no obstructions blocking the view of the other participants
DURING
AFTER

16. Make it Safe BEFORE DURING AFTER
Put it on paper that "what is said here and happens here, stays here."
When someone shares in the group, make sure they feel affirmed about their answer in the moment.
Avoid giving or allowing unrequested advice within the group… "“We're here to listen, not to give advice.
Handling challenging people with grace and respect
Make it OK to simply “show up” and participate – no preparation required!
Exercise the “Law of Two Feet” as needed
DURING
AFTER

17. Challenging People BEFORE DURING AFTER
The over-talker: remind everyone in the group guidelines that this is an equal participation group
The non-talker: call on them periodically to share an answer; affirm them big-time when they do respond – make it OK to “pass”
The tangent-starter: Don't get upset at the tangents; they happen and sometimes can be great conversation… use “the clock” as the reason to bring the group back on track
The insensitive person: remind everyone of the group guidelines, and definitely have the one-on-one conversation outside of circle time as needed
DURING
AFTER

18. Know your Game Plan BEFORE DURING AFTER
What are the key actions you need to think about for this session?
AFTER

19. Know your Game Plan BEFORE DURING AFTER
What are the key actions you need to think about for this session?
AFTER

20. New New New Share Result Share Result Pre-work Progression Pre-work
Commit to Action
Commit to Action
Commit to Action

21. Creating Interaction and Insight
BEFORE
DURING
Fixed Mindset
Growth Mindset
Problem
Solution
Discussion
Critical Thinking
Single Loop
Double Loop
Statements
Questions
What
How and Why
Reaction
Reflection
Ask open-ended questions
Avoid the yes/no, true/false, multiple-choice
Ask follow-up questions
Ask “popcorning” questions
Refrain from leading questions
Test assumptions
Stay on the Learner Path
Don’t be afraid of silence
AFTER

22. Creating Interaction and Insight
BEFORE
Start with a rotation until everyone has spoken
Participants may choose to pass rather than speak.
Only after everyone has had a chance to speak is the floor opened for general discussion.
Listen carefully and accurately, making sure the group is hearing what each participant has to offer.
Be prepared for disagreement – don’t try to solve.
Don’t allow for cross-talk, analysis or other interruptions.
Call for a “Time-Out” as a way to keep the discussion on track
DURING
AFTER

23. I’m Ready!
Let’s try!

24. ? ?
Questions??