Experiential learning refers to a method that helps you to remember a particular skill or discover the meaning of the education you receive through direct experiences. It is distinct from the method of rote learning or memory.
I was dining with a business associate, and we talked about our fun times when being in the military and undergoing the Basic Airborne Course. The course taught us how to parachute from aircraft through static lines, and we laughed at the numerous incidents that happened throughout the training. We were awestruck at how we still remembered numerous techniques taught.
I wondered whether this could be due to the experience-based learning we went through. The truth is that training and knowledge were invaluable, and the fact being able to say that we were able to recall the techniques and procedures, it is likely that the retention of knowledge had occurred. As I sat at the table for lunch, I wrote down four ideas on how to incorporate educational and experiential learning for any team and for customers.
So, knowing these four techniques for coaching could aid you in becoming a more efficient business leader and coach.
1. Repetition and practice make perfect.
The purpose of the course was straightforward. The parachute wing’s goal was to show the students how to perform the proper static parachute leap. We had to do the drills every day. No matter what coffee or meal breaks, an instructor would be astonished by a command, and we were required to immediately get into the correct landing position as well as announce the steps to “execute” the jump in our minds.
If you’re a business coach who would like to impart your expertise to your clients, can you establish a system where they can write down the lessons you have taught them? Would you be able to get clients to follow the same methods to make sales? Can you help them follow the various ways to communicate with their employees? Could you also guide them to follow the different aspects of leadership?
If you’re in charge of the team, are you in a position to convince your team members to agree on specific procedures for operation so that a system is established? Do you have the ability to motivate your team members to practice these steps repeatedly in their heads and during lunch? Do you have a plan and checklist that your team can repeatedly use during their work in order to achieve the same level of success?
2. Element of Thrill and Fun.
We enjoyed the course since there was a sense of excitement. We were taught that our primary parachute would open once we got from the plane. If it didn’t open, there was only one reserve parachute to use on our suits, so we had to figure out how to pack them correctly! We also performed a variety of simulations of jumps at different angles and heights to ensure that we could be prepared for various landings and wind conditions.
If you’re a business coach, do you have the ability to incorporate excitement and enjoyment into your classes? Would you be able to take them outside, like, for instance, to the Antarctic or in the forests of Bandung, Indonesia? Anywhere! Simply be imaginative and know that people enjoy thrills. That’s the essence of experiential learning. Even if the content you’re teaching is similar to others, you may be able to alter the surroundings, and your students would recall the lessons because of the unique aspect.
3. Conducting together with Diverse Groups.
There were participants from all kinds of military units participating along with us. Our interactions with such a diverse group of people gave us the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and also an ideal networking opportunity during the month.
There are times when people view different companies as rivals. Your job as a business leader or coach is to reduce this tension and to encourage everyone to view things from the world from a different angle. We all have a responsibility to learn from and help one another. The sharing of information increases your knowledge since you will be able to learn from someone else what he may have done in the past and achieved success or not. As a coach or leaders, we will gain knowledge when coaching our clients. Therefore, we must always put off our skeptical and suspicious hats and try to share our expertise.
If you could create a space where diverse companies interact during the coaching or teaching sessions, you may provide a better chance for interaction and better ideas to be developed.
4. Execution of Activity.
The parachuted crew actually left the plane and lived to tell the story!
The way in which this exercise was carried out and the development of suspense which resulted from it was a significant factor in recollecting the course. The entire time we had spent training and thinking about what we were learning was finally happening. Learning by doing was the actual experience. We were able to apply the information we had learned and apply it to our lives.
Business coaches are responsible for guiding their teams; your job should not just be to provide suggestions and advice. If you could go through an entire procedure with your team and clients from beginning to finish and follow-through that process, you’d be able to be a part of more. Therefore, you must step away from your comfort zone and try to find ways to help your clients and team members to retain the lessons and abilities.
If they’re in sales, then make them market widgets with unusual attire and in unusual situations. If they’re in marketing, they should sell widgets that are not traditional in their settings and places. Blend and blend the group to allow everyone to learn from each other. When they’ve applied their skills and knowledge and are actually executing the task, you’ll be able to determine whether they have succeeded or not.
In the end, by implementing these four methods to incorporate into your coaching sessions, you can create a positive education and learning experience as well as achieve effective results from coaching.
Chew Mark has more than two years of experience in leadership management in his resume as a captain of the sports team as well as sports team manager. He has also had the privilege of leading the best soldiers serving in the army as a commissioning officer. Now, he is a consultant as well as a coach for Leadership Management and Human Resources. In addition, he is the writer of a book that is due to be published soon, entitled “The 4Fs of Leadership.”
