Organizational Learning Strategies: Meetings

Meetings are convenient and useful venues for ongoing learning. Periodic meetings can be dedicated exclusively to learning or learning activities can be scheduled as agenda items during regularly scheduled meetings.

	To provide a venue for an entire work unit or team to engage in learning together.
	To facilitate learning in teams.

	Invite experts to present in a particular subject area.
	Invite people outside of your work unit or team to provide new perspective and insight on topics discussed during the meeting.
	Conduct periodic team-building exercises during meetings to improve communication and understanding among members.
	Have someone skilled in facilitation and consultations periodically observe the meeting and provide feedback on meeting skills and dynamics.
	Ask meeting members to make presentations on recent work assignments.
	Set aside time at the end of each meeting to pause and assess: "What were the strengths of our meeting today? How can we improve our meeting skills?"

As described below, learning strategies are often used in combination with one another or may be closely linked to one another.

Learning Groups (Teams): Learning Groups (teams) are formed specifically to support growth and learning. Meetings can serve as a forum for Learning Groups to exchange knowledge and enhance learning.

Parallel Learning Structure: Parallel Learning Structures are formed to effect change and innovation in the organization. Individuals engaged into Parallel Learning Structures can use Meetings as a forum to communicate to one another.

Defense Logistics Agency Workforce Development Team

The Defense Logistics Agency Workforce Development Team needed to keep abreast of new technologies and trends within the career development arena. However, limited resources and high workload prevented team members from keeping current with the professional literature. Recognizing this, the training officer conducted a literature search and identified articles and reports related to current issues confronting the organization as well as new technologies that could potentially be used within the organization. Team members were assigned articles and reports and asked to brief team members during meetings. During the briefing, the team member provided a review of the article, potential applications, and possible strategies for implementation. As a result, the team became more aware of current innovations in career development. Many of the methodologies and innovations were applied within the organization.

Fairfax, VA County Government Agency

A Fairfax County Government agency regularly sets aside time during meetings for staff members to present summaries of workshops and conferences they have attended. Staff members report what they learned and how it applies to their work. In this way, learning is shared and people understand how learning supports the overall goals of the agency.

Web Resources

Effective Meetings: Facilitation, Fellowship, and Feedback Online Article

Jump Start Your Next Meeting Online Article

The Ritz Puts On Stand-Up Meetings Article

The Seven Sins of Deadly Meetings Article

Publications

Kayser, T. A. Mining Group Gold: How to Cash In On the Collaborative Brain Power of a Group. El Segundo, CA: Serif Publishing, 1990.

Scholtes, P. R. The Team Handbook. Madison, WI: Joiner Associates, 1988.

Following are links to the other Organizational Learning Strategies:

	Action Learning
	Cross-Functional Teams
	Work-Outs
	Strategic Planning
	Parallel Learning Structures
	Corporate Scorecard
	Benchmarking
	Groupware
	Distance Conferencing