Action Learning

Talking and sharing with trust. Searching and discovering with confidence.

When one of my Action Learning Sets (ALS) get together as peers to share and solve problems, it can feel very special. Liberating, even.

It’s a simple set-up. A self-selecting group from different sectors meets monthly to group-coach each other under my guidance. Together we find effective solutions to business (and sometimes personal) challenges by taking turns to share issues and problems.

Nicky Marr is wearing a dark jacket with brown buttons and is sitting on a wooden bench, smiling softly towards the camers

Members ask open questions, probing with a respectful and structured approach – it’s not about offering or giving advice. Proper listening and empathetic observations help to unlock and clarify. We follow through and recap at the next session before moving on. 

There’s no judgement, just a great learning opportunity. Nobody has to ‘fix’ anything; we just work things out for ourselves. 

A table set up with notepad, pens and water glasses. A screen behind displays "Action Learning, Nicky Marr"

Is Action Learning for you?

  • Supportive

    A non-judgmental space for sharing challenges and mistakes is rare in business or at home. Comparing challenges honestly boosts learning and self-confidence.

  • Developmental

    Maybe you’re born with leadership skills, but I doubt it. Over time ALS members perfect active listening skills and coaching-style techniques, both of them essential in leadership for your own organisations. 

  • More EQ than IQ

    Action Learning develops our ability to understand our motivations and empathise with others. Research suggests emotional intelligence is six times more important in leadership roles than IQ.

  • Practical and relevant

    Real problems, real solutions, accountability. This isn’t about theory, it’s about doing.

  • Low-cost, high impact

    A few hours a month won’t break the bank or test the timesheet. This drip-feed boost for your professional development is an effective investment for you and your business. 

  • Confide in ALS

    What happens in the set, stays in the set. Nothing is discussed outside the session, even between members (unless by explicit agreement). 

Upcoming events

  • Learning About Action Learning

    If you are curious to find out more, join me at my next ‘Learning About Action Learning’ Workshop.

    What? Discover the theory of Action Learning with a small group of self-selecting business leaders/managers, before we put the theory into practice. If you find it valuable, sign-up for five tutored sessions over the following five months, after which you’ll have all the skills to carry on as a self-supporting, group-coaching, peer network.

    Where?  Lochardil House Hotel, Inverness

    When? 9.30 -2.00 Monday 3rd November 2025

    Cost: £95pp

    RSVP