learninglabs

Learning new ways of working for all - modular, practical and scalable

The learninglabs are a curriculum consisting of training modules that build on each other and that cover the topics of human-centered and agile ways of working. These trainings are successfully applied by our clients worldwide to impart agile methods and process knowledge to their employees and, above all, to enable a change of mindset.

Our trainings are based on the conviction that "the difference between theory and practice is greater in practice than in theory". Therefore, we design highly immersive learning experiences in which participants are not only trained theoretically, but also gain agile competence through practical experience. The modular training system allows flexibility in adapting learning content to all levels of agile maturity. In addition, the learninglabs can be easily scaled: Our team has trained more than 20,000 people. And in India alone, we look back at over 70,000 learninglabs participants in train-the-trainer courses.

All learninglabs are launchlabs certified and can take place on your premises, in one of the launchlabs innovation lofts, in another inspiring location or remotely via video conference. We would be happy to put together a tailor-made learninglabs curriculum for you from our modules.

A short overview of selected modules can be found here:

introduction-Impressionen

Get to know Design Thinking and other agile methods!

Introductory module at a glance

In the introductory module, participants are guided through a typical agile design process within a team. To learn the core principles of human-centricity, they apply exercises in different topics, such as user centricity, working in iterations or interdisciplinary teamwork. The teams, furthermore, reflect on their experiences in relation to their own work environment. Optionally, we offer so called deep dives on selected methods that we train by providing theoretical background, best practices and having the participants apply them in practical exercises.

For whom?

  • Managers and executives who would like to get to know agile and human-centered work in a compact way, e.g. embedded in a larger event
  • Teams from all departments, e.g. R&D, HR or innovation management, who would like to learn more about the potential of agile methodologies in practice

What?

  • Clarification of the question why agile principles are essential in today’s world
  • Short presentation of the basic principles of an agile and human-centered approach with practical examples and best practices
  • Experience agile, human-centered work yourself by going through an entire design process and actively applying the basic principles of agility in small teams

How long?

  • At least 90 minutes to four hours
  • Deep Dives can be done over one to two days

practitioner-Impressionen

Practitioner means a hands-on approach to learning, experiencing and implementing human-centered and innovative ways of working!

Practitioner at a glance

The Practitioner certification offers an in-depth understanding of human-centered and innovative methods, such as Design Thinking. The methods learned are applied using one of your own business challenges to illustrate an iterative design process and co-create a solution.

For whom?

  • Managers and executives who are interested in learning to apply agile and human-centered methods in a compact way
  • Teams from all kinds of departments, such as R&D, HR or innovation management, who would like to get to know agile ways of working and learn how to apply individual methods in practice

What?

  • Active learning of different principles and design methods within the framework of cross-functional teamwork
  • Reflection of one’s teamwork culture
  • Application of the acquired knowledge within the framework of a (supervised) practice project
  • Reflection of the experiences and delving deeper into the learnings after the practice project

How long?

  • Three days extension module
  • Four- to eight-week practice project with support from our facilitators
  • One to two days of review and reflection

Any prior knowledge that might be helpful?

agile leadership-Impressionen

Agile Leadership creates the conditions and context for an agile and innovative organizational culture

Agile Leadership at a glance

An agile organizational culture requires agile and creative teams that act independently and autonomously. This has far-reaching consequences and implications on the way that these teams can and should be managed. For (prospective) agile leaders, a lot of questions arise: What kind of leadership do my teams or employees need? What exactly does agile and “servant” leadership look like? And what does this entail for me as a leader? What (else) can I “manage” in the future? 

For whom? 

  • Leadership and management teams with basic knowledge in Design Thinking and agile methodologies, who want to establish an approach towards new work culture

What?

  • Active reinforcement of some of the most relevant agile methods, models and frameworks for executives
  • Experience how cross-functional teams, appropriate work environments and agile working methods can foster an innovative culture 
  • Application of the acquired knowledge to everyday business challenges, supported by reflection with peers
  • Reflection on the experiences and consolidation of key learnings after the practical phase

 How long?

  • Two-day extension module
  • Four- to eight-week practical training with peer group review and consultation
  • One to two days of reflection and reinforcement of key learnings

Any prior knowledge that might be helpful?

facilitator-Impressionen

In the facilitator module, participants learn how to prepare and carry out a workshop or an agile project and thus become professional methodical sparring partners

Facilitator at a glance

As a facilitator you can teach and guide interdisciplinary teams, plan agile projects and support an innovative working culture and (team)work environment.

For whom?

  • Individuals and teams looking to create a human-centered and agile company culture and learn to strategically apply individual methods in a variety of organizational contexts

What?

  • Clarification of the facilitator role
  • Guidance and enablement in understanding and applying design thinking methods
  • Project planning and setup of teams, support of teams within agile projects 
  • Establishing an agile culture in the diverse contexts
  • Practice in scenarios including critical situations, e.g. by using role plays

How long? 

  • Minimum two-day extension module
  • One day of reflection

Any prior knowledge that might be helpful? 

agile coach-Impressionen

Our multi-perspective module for experts

Agile Coach at a glance

As an Agile Coach, you are ably to analyze and classify all types of challenges, from small agile teams to large agile transformation projects, and master them by applying the appropriate interventions.

For whom?

  • Participants with prior knowledge in the field of agile methods and first practical experience in the implementation of agile projects

What? 

  • Three training modules, in which we approach the topic of Agile Coaching from different perspectives (methodical, theoretical, strategic, systemic)
  • Module 1 deals with the individual role of an Agile Coach and explains the application areas of the different agile frameworks
  • Module 2 focuses on problems and challenges in an agile work environment and looks at personal relationships and tensions within it
  • Module 3 involves not only the participants but also their respective managers and executives in order to jointly develop optimal conditions for agile transformation

How long?

  • Ideally three days for each of the three training modules with practical phases of approx. 8 weeks in between 

Any prior knowledge that might be helpful? 

masterclasses-Impressionen

Especially for experienced coaches and facilitators we offer the possibility to deep dive into certain topics with our 2-day Masterclasses

At the moment we offer Masterclasses on the following topics:

Creativity 

Why creativity is much more than the right brainstorming method

Within this masterclass, we will, among others, answer the following questions:

  • What actually is creativity? And can it be learned?
  • What does creativity feel like? Which emotions and senses are addressed?
  • What happens in our brain when we are creative? What consequences does this have on our creative work?
  • What can we learn from “creative people” and artists?
  • How might we creativity be integrated into scheduled and planned-out workshop formats or collaboration processes?
  • How can I as a Design Thinking or Agile Coach support individuals and teams to be more creative?

Voice, presence and appearance

On the creative workshop stage – and what now?

As an Agile Coach and facilitator, you often have to slip into different roles: One time you are the expert who explains the next steps and methods. Then, you are the workshop leader and facilitator, who navigates individual teams and sometimes large groups through an often densely packed agenda. Or you take the role of a mediator in team conflicts. And last but not least, you can be a role model and “change agent”, who wants to exemplify the work culture associated with agile work in his own department or company and who wants and has to do a lot of persuading.

A strong presence and charisma are just as important as expertise in terms of the content and methodology you are trying to convey. This master class is therefore about building a coherent appearance.

We will be looking at the following questions and aspects:

  • How do I prepare myself, how do I start, how do I enter a room?
  • How do I affect others? How do I “come across”?
  • How do I strengthen my vocal power?
  • How do I use breath and body language?
  • How do I move (on stage)?
  • What gives me security?
  • How do I focus and create focus in the group?
  • How comprehensible am I and what language do I use?
  • How do I establish contact with the participants and keep the connection?
  • What is my style? What distinguishes me as a coach and facilitator?

 

Facilitation

Do less and achieve more. From a well-balanced agenda to the space-giving support of teams and organizations.

According to the definition of the International Association of Facilitation (IAF), facilitation is “the art of bringing to light the creativity and wisdom of a group through dialogue, by pursuing extensive transparency and clarity, and a form of participation that sees different perspectives as a resource rather than a disturbance.

Yet, facilitation means much more than just moderating an often strictly scheduled workshop. It is within this area of tension that we want to move in this master class.

We will deal with the following questions and aspects:

  • With which basic attitude towards myself and the participants do I plan and design my workshops?
  • How can I give agile teams more freedom and design options without losing “control”?
  • What is the dramaturgy behind a successful workshop?
  • How can I, especially as a Design Thinking Coach, “do less” and at the same time “achieve more” together with the participants?