1.5 - About University

14.6 L EADERS AND L EARNING S TYLESInspired by David Kolb, Anthony Alexander, and Phillip Hunsuker.“Different strokes for different folks” is a useful adage for a leader. People simply do not allthink and learn in the same ways. (Ironically, treating people fairly can mean treating themquite differently!) One important aspect of these differences is how people learn. This tool willhelp you understand your own learning preferences, the learning preferences of others, andhow you can turn these differences—often sources of conflict—into sources of enrichment,strength, team diversity, and improved business results.T HE FOUR LEARNING STYLESThe central point of this tool is that different people, including leaders, learn in different ways.There is no right or wrong learning style, and most people can use at least a couple of learningstyles if necessary. Nonetheless, a person will learn more willingly and easily when allowedto use his or her preferred learning approach.Learning styleSensors(Kolb’s concrete experience)Assessors(Kolb’s reflective observation)Thinkers(Kolb’s abstract conceptualization)Doers(Kolb’s active experimentation)Learning preferences➠ Tend to rely on feelings, values, and empathy to make conclusions.➠ Like to learn by talking it out, interacting, and discussing with others.➠ Dislike a lot of theory. “Sit still and be quiet” doesn’t work well with this style.➠ Tend to observe, listen, and carefully assess information.➠ Like to learn by listening and watching.➠ Dislike sharing, role-playing, and interaction-based learning approaches.➠ Tend to rely on logic and rational evidence to make conclusions.➠ Like to learn from impersonal models and systematic analysis.➠ Dislike unstructured, open-ended exercises and discussions.➠ Tend to learn by trying it out and doing.➠ Like to learn from practical simulations, projects, and small-group discussions.➠ Dislike lectures and passive learning.DoersStrengths:• getting things done• taking risksWeaknesses:• too much trial and error• staying on purposeStrengths:• making decisions• solving problemsWeakness:• jump to actionSensorsThinkersStrengths:• imagining• brainstormingWeakness:• coordinating actionStrengths:• framing problems• creating models and plansWeaknesses:• team learning• seeing the big pictureAssessors444 SECTION 14 TOOLS FOR LEARNING