Using an action learning approach to support women social learning leaders’ development in sport

This paper examines an adapted action learning approach to develop four social learning leaders. The Alberta Women in Sport Leadership Impact Program is a social learning intervention with the goals of supporting women in developing their leadership capabilities and increasing gender equity across sport. To support the facilitation of this initiative, four social learning leaders engaged in action learning to develop their leadership capabilities and facilitation skills. Considering facilitators’ development experiences have not been extensively explored in the context of action learning and social learning working in combination, examining the implications of an action learning approach for women social learning leaders’ development was warranted. We used an interpretive qualitative methodology to interview and observe the four social learning leaders to gain insight into their experiences building their facilitator capabilities and the implications of coupling an action learning and social learning approach for development. The participants discussed the importance of developing self-awareness, engaging with and embracing uncertainty, and building trusting relationships. The findings from this action learning focused initiative highlight the importance of social learning opportunities for women to create networks and spaces where they can safely feel vulnerable and subsequently develop their leadership capabilities.