Experience-Driven Leader Development: Models, Tools, Best Practices, and Advice for On-the-Job Development

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Using the Classroom to Create a Learning Orientation

Lori Homer

Microsoft

Anita Bhasin

Sage Ways, Inc.

EVEN LEARNING PROFESSIONALS familiar with the “Lessons of Experience” research can overlook the findings that time spent “in the classroom” contributes to development in unique ways, including giving participants exposure to new ideas, new behaviors to practice, time to reflect, and opportunities to connect with other leaders (McCall, Lombardo, & Morrison, 1988). Further, DeRue and Wellman (2009) and Dragoni, Tesluk, Russell, and Oh (2009) found that individuals with a learning orientation are more likely to reap the developmental benefits ...