JavaScript is required

Adapted learning loop

Against a backdrop of change, the team at WIRE needed to find a way to elevate the voices of their team and make sure they were heard. The adapted learning loop model allowed them to help deal with change in a dynamic environment. It uses listening, validation and empowerment as tools to help navigate change and benefit wellbeing.

Elena Ashley, Manager Operations

WIRE is the only generalist service in Victoria that has served women, gender diverse and non-binary Victorians for 40 years. WIRE provides information, referral, resources, systemic advocacy and individual, sector and organisation training to build capacity.

The team at WIRE faced a lot of changes with a new strategic plan, new CEO, new structure and new premises. It had been a disruptive year for the 25 staff.

‘We’ve had a whole lot of things change and lots of chaos, and understandably this has impacted our team’s levels of wellbeing and accomplishment,’ Elena explained. ‘Finding better ways to navigate change together was at the top of our agenda.’

WIRE has an existing communication interaction model called ‘Listen, Validate, Explore and Empower’ that they used in the phone room, face-to-face and among staff.

But the team found that when it came to navigating change, they weren’t using this model to ensure everyone’s voices in the team were heard and their experiences incorporated into solutions.

After being introduced to the learning loop model of ‘Act, Assess, Adjust’ to help them identify what they were doing well, where they were struggling, what they were learning and the changes they wanted to prioritise, they wondered if there was a way to fuse the two models.

‘We wanted to build a tool that was strengths-based, trauma-informed and founded on the assumption that we are experts in our own lives,’ explained Elena. ‘It also needed to be able to help us to quickly navigate small changes whilst being able to dive into the depths of complex changes.’

The team adapted the learning loop to:

  • identify the process or system being changed and the team members involved and their roles
  • commit to a conversation where we will: listen (listen deeply, with compassion and belief), validate (confirm your understanding and affirm the strengths and resources of individuals and the organisation), explore (shared exploration of options) and empower (encourage agency to act)
  • ask:
    • what went well? Even when the outcomes aren't what we're hoping for yet, at least we're trying
    • where did we struggle? Even when we feel everything went great, there is always room for improvement
    • what have we learned? While most outcomes are short-lived, it is the learning we get to take forward to the next challenge
    • based on this, what will we try next? Remember that nature wired us all to be perfectly imperfect so that we can learn and grow
    • what steps will be taken now?
  • facilitate a more in-depth exploration of complex changes by using additional questions.

‘The adapted learning loop has helped us to better care for our wellbeing, even in the maelstrom of ongoing changes,’ said Elena. ‘Our most recent staff wellbeing survey results show that levels of wellbeing and accomplishment have improved across our team.’

To find out more about setting up and using an ‘Adapted learning loop’ please watch this short video:

Family Violence Health, Safety and Wellbeing Pilot Program showcase - WIRE wellbeing tool
View transcript
Communities

Updated

Back to top