Learning Cycles

The key to the transformative power of Agile is fast, iterative learning cycles.

The learning cycle begins with an intention. Then a commitment, an action, and a reflection. Then it begins again.

The intention may be a question. It may be an aspiration. Or it may be a solution. But, regardless. this intention is guided by a Clear Purpose.

There are many different ways that a learning cycle is manifested. Design Thinking is built on the idea of a learning cycles, as is Scrum.

Each of these cycles share three primary components.

You first have to define what you are going to do and how you will define success. You then have to do what you committed to. And they you have to reflect on that experience to see what you learned.

Each time we embark on a learning cycle, there is a element of experimentation.

This learning cycle is based on a set of assumptions, many of which are unrecognized.

Inevitably, in the journey, things won't work like we thought they might. These failures are due to assumptions that we have made but we now recognize as false.

When we reflect on each cycle, we not only celebrate successes and identify our failures. Bot so doing, we are able to decipher the false assumptions underneath them.

By bringing these false assumptions to light, we can then redefine and test a new set of assumptions.

The faster we are able to move through these learning cycles, the faster we are able to discard false assumptions and find solid ground of "truths" that we can build our solutions on. These truths empower our Creative Confidence.

The faster one can go through a learning cycle, the faster one learns, the faster one can learn and create.

This process can be messy, so it requires structure and discipline. That is why methodologies using concepts such as Sprints are helpful.

Learning Cycles often ignite a Flow State and have elements of a Hero's Journey where we face uncertainty but ultimately are able to find a way back home carrying the gift of surprising insight.