Experiential learning is the process of learning by doing. A program that allows learning through hands-on experience and reflection allows participants to better connect the knowledge learned to real-world situations.

There is power within a program that works from the inside out. If only focused on external tactical strategies, it can be like slapping a band aid on for a temporary fix instead of treating the wound.  When you work from the inside out (thought patterns, confidence roadblocks, awareness, etc.), you are treating the wound. This allows for deeper and lasting transformation.

Everyone learns differently. If you’re investing the time and money into a leadership development program, decide what pace works best for your learning preferences.  Faster is not always better. If you prefer to learn a large amount of information in a short timeframe vs. wanting time to reflect, absorb, and practice methods, tools and processes, this will determine if you are seeking a short-term versus a long-term program. Keep in mind that longer-term allows more time for reflection, reinforcement, conversations, and retention.

A strong program should allow you time for reflection on what you just learned. Reflection often comes in the following days of learning content.

A program that honors “what happens in this program stays in this program.” It builds trust with the facilitator and among its participants. It makes it more comfortable to be authentic and vulnerable, which allows one to learn at a deeper level.

Developing a sense of belonging with a peer group helps one to feel supported. Participants share insights and experiences, allowing everyone to learn from each other. Also, gaining a new network of peers whom you can reach out to for advice is a valuable long-term benefit beyond the duration of the program.

Not unlike the benefits of a smaller teacher/student ratio in a classroom, there is also benefit to joining leadership development programs that are broken into smaller groups. You are able to get involved in discussions more easily. Within a smaller group, you feel like you have a seat in the front row, so you tend to pay attention and be more engaged. When in a larger group, it’s easier to feel you have a seat in the back row and can hide more easily. Your active participation will likely be at a much lower level. If that is the case, how much are you really getting out of the program?

A facilitator encourages participation, manages the agenda and time, presents dynamic information, and involves everyone in the process. Without a strong facilitator, a program can seem to go in too many directions (or not enough), can get off-track by participant domination, and can lose track of time.

Avoid programs that lack a clear structure. A strong program should provide an organized structure with details on the topics that will be covered.

For programs that are not self-paced, they should list their schedule so that participants who commit know in advance if they will be able to partake in a majority of its offerings to get the most value from the program.

A program that offers tools and processes that can be used beyond the duration of the program can help set you up for long-term success.

One doesn’t want to just listen to one lecture the entire time and offer no other learning experience during the program. A program that offers a variety of learning experiences can enhance your engagement and comprehension.  Examples include assessments, self-paced, group learning and discussions, role play, breakouts, workbooks, video / webinar presentations, lectures, etc.