LEARN FASTER
FROM
EXPERIENCE
Sharon VanderKaay
Everyday
learning in action
can teach us
critical thinking,
judgment,
managing,
communication and
collaboration skills.
But learning from
experience is a skill.
Learning by design is faster
than learning by chance.
design thinking
is a way of seeing fresh
possibilities and options
for action.
“Run Beyond” by Angelo Bonello, Italy Light Fest at
the Distillery District, photo by Sharon VanderKaay
You can learn to
DESIGN YOUR WAY
through messy situations.
Design thinking
helps you realize
the full potential of
any situation
because...
...it exposes greater
possibilities for action.
1. observant
2. intentional (mindful)
3. values-driven
4. non-linear
5. human-centric, empathetic
6. on purpose
How to
become an
active learner
and design
thinker?
GROUP COACHING shifts learning
from passive to active and applies
design thinking to daily situations.
What’s possible
in this
situation?
Is there another
way to do it?
How can we re-frame
the question?
The GROUP COACH uses questions to spark
faster learning from experience as a habit.
What if...?
GROUP COACHING provides:
• Practice in reframing situations
• Practice asking diagnostic questions
• What to look for, how to look for it
• How to assess options
Group coaching reveals:
• What prevents learning from experience
• Why good intentions are not enough
• How new learning habits are formed
GROUP COACHING also prepares us for
setbacks, rejection, ups and downs
and other realities
of navigating work that’s
not done by a robot.
Fixed Thinking Growth Mindset
self-limiting, blame, defensive
assumptions, lazy thinking
fragile ego, fearful, self-limiting
distrustful, suppress questions
push to get attention
low energy, disconnected
can’t-do attitude, reactive
see options, take responsibility
smarter decisions
healthy ego, confident
speak candidly, curious
pull, natural attraction
vibrant, better connected
can-do attitude, take initiative
closed culture costs open learning culture benefits
LEARNING CULTURE?
Sharon VanderKaay
no yes
Sharon VanderKaay
vanderpalette.com
@svkaay
WORKING WISDOM

Learn Faster from Experience: Active Learning and Design Thinking in the Workplace