Optimizing the Power of Action Learning: Real-Time Strategies for Developing Leaders, Building Teams and Transforming Organizations
'Especially noteworthy is his model of whole-leader development using real-time, real-world problems, firmly grounded in crucial components of emotional intelligence' Training Magazine  'Marquardt, expert on action learning process, details exactly how methodology works and how it can be used for important problems' Soundview Executive Book Summaries  'People with an interest in knowing details of action learning will find the answer to their prayers in this book' GetAbstract "If you like turning problems into opportunities, this book is your solution.  Marquardt's action learning techniques are not just process tools, they are mental repositioning systems and diagnostic organizational barometers."  -  Roland K. Yeo, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior & International Business, Kuwait Maastricht Business School, and Adjunct Senior Researcher of Management, University of South Australia "To be a competent leader, continuous learning is the key contributing factor. This book shows how action learning can turn leaders from passive learners to active learners."  -  Dr. Florence Ho, Senior Lecturer, School of Professional Education & Executive Development, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong "As a writer and a scholar, Mike Marquardt has an uncanny ability to impart important and effective leadership strategies in a way that can be immediately acted upon by the reader. Optimizing the Power of Action Learning, 2nd Edition, is one more gem in Mike's repertoire of books, providing actionable knowledge and guidance to organizations seeking to solve complex problems."  -  A. Gidget Hopf, EdD, President and CEO, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Rochester, NY "In this era, the pressure to accelerate business outcomes, gain market share, and reduce cost is crushing. If your organization is looking to accelerate business outcomes, action learning is a powerful vehicle to make it happen.  I know, because we've done it with the guidance of Dr. Marquardt."  -  Dr. Debra Gmelin, Corporate Director, Leadership Institute at Humana Inc. "Action and learning are crucial to sustained organizational success. Mike Marquardt knows this and his book provides proven, practical, and useful thinking tools, techniques, and examples."  -  Mike Stonier, Senior Manager, University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science, Johannesburg, South Africa "Marquardt's teachings have allowed Sony Music leaders to realize their greatest potential for solving problems: not by overwhelming a discussion with conflicted answers, but by asking powerful questions and reflecting on one's own leadership skills. That alone has made Optimizing the Power of Action Learning one of the most vital instruments of our leadership transformation success."  -  Kathy Chalmers, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Sony Music Entertainment "A must read for anyone who wants to improve the effectiveness of people and organizations."  -  Doug Bryant, Director of Organizational Development, Honeywell Transportation Systems "Mike Marquardt is the key thought leader in action learning. In introducing this unique but simple process to our executive leaders, we have garnered huge benefits in problem definition and resolution, as well as in higher-level thinking and the acceleration of organizational learning."  - Helen Goldson, VP Talent Management, Goodrich Corporation "As a certified action learning coach, I have found Optimizing the Power of Action Learning to be a valuable resource. The enhancements in the revised edition present practical and clear guidelines for implementing the six components of action learning in any organization. The illustrations provided in the case studies make the implementation of action learning even easier."  -  Dr. Jacqueline Villafane, Manager, American Red Cross, Disaster Services Leadership Development