Think One Team, 2nd Edition

the learning loop (ACL)

Sometimes the most obvious things are the hardest to see.

That was the case when we were seeking the best way to embed the think one team^TM method and tools into the day-to-day operating rhythm of teams and organisations.

From many years of experience working with elite sporting teams I’ve always been mindful of the simple principle that the last thing learned is the first forgotten under pressure.

This is a great reminder that no matter how effective a training workshop, coaching session or resource guide is, the true test of whether a concept is useful is that it ‘sticks’ in the day-to-day cut and thrust of business life.

For the coach of a sports team the secret to that ‘stickability’ is setting up a deliberate, three-step learning and performance loop:

• Step 1: understand the behaviour (Alignment)
• Step 2: practise it as a team under pressure (Collaboration)
• Step 3: ensure frequent feedback (Learn).

This loop of Align – Collaborate – Learn (ACL) is something that I’ve woven successfully into individual coaching for two decades; however, the lightbulb went on in two moments of insight.

The first breakthrough was to go beyond individual skill development and to guide teams to create a deliberate Align – Collaborate – Learn loop of conversations and practices (in other words, an operating rhythm) to develop good habits around these three elements.