Action Learning Projects Solve Business Problems While Fostering Executive Growth, Says RHR International.

WOOD DALE, Ill. -- As global business patterns continue to evolve and companies expand into new markets and product lines, many organizations find themselves facing the need to educate their management teams in areas where they have little or no experience. The use of Action Learning Projects may present the best solution. Action Learning Projects can be defined as developmental exercises in which a group of persons, under guidance, work together on a topic which is outside their functional expertise. As a team, they immediately apply the newly learned skills to accomplish a strategic goal based on a current unresolved need of the company.

RHR International Company, a world leader in executive and organizational development, presents an overview of Action Learning Projects in the latest edition of their publication, Executive Insights. The issue also provides a guide to the process involved in creating a successful program.

"Action Learning Projects do more than just answer the needs of the moment," said Jeff Durocher, Vice President of Marketing Development for RHR International. "Fostering behavioral growth in areas such as team effectiveness, cross discipline empathy, individual development and others, they will continue to benefit the organization long after the initial challenge has been resolved."

Typically there are three reasons for initiating an Action Learning Project:

1. Events that require participants in an executive education experience to immediately put into practice the skills and behaviors taught in the program;

2. A specific, individual development need that is shared by a number of people;

3. A critical need for recommendations on an emerging strategic issue not being dealt with anywhere in the organization.

Durocher concluded, "By immediately applying new skills to urgent business needs, Action Learning Projects foster increased retention of the knowledge gained during the process while providing real-time benefits to the organization."

RHR International Company pioneered the field of corporate psychology. RHR's consultants are psychologists who specialize in assessment-based development of individuals, groups and organizations. They are experienced at helping clients implement business strategy and achieve business objectives through people. RHR International has offices in the US, Canada, Belgium, England, and Germany with affiliates in Brazil, China, France and Italy. To download a complete copy of this edition of Executive Insights or issues discussing other topics of interest, please visit our web site at www.rhrinternational.com.