Action Learning Driving Change at MBS

A group of executive managers, managers and supervisors from the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), Antigua & Barbuda, just completed the Certification of Action Learning Coaches workshop. This is part of a broader strategy of the MBS Board and Executive Management led by the organisation's Human Resource Director, Wendy Jackson. The objective is to develop leaders and build more cohesive units within MBS by employing a more proactive and inclusive approach to problem-solving.

The initiative commenced in May 2018, when the MBS Board approved an initiative, proposed by the executive management team, to engage consultants to design and deliver a leadership development and team building programme. The Board of Directors, the Executive Management team, managers and supervisors participated in this programme. Given the success of the initial programme, the HR Director sought the Board's approval to build an internal capacity within MBS to continuously develop leadership ability and solve organisational problems. In this connection WIAL (World Institute for Action Learning) Caribbean was engaged to certify a small group of Action Learning Coaches in the organisation, which would then be deployed throughout the institution.

The Medical Benefits Scheme is an innovative statutory corporation in Antigua and Barbuda that finances a significant portion of the country's overall healthcare cost. This institution is unique across the English-speaking Caribbean. MBS will shortly be transformed into a comprehensive National Health Insurance; hence it is necessary for MBS to rapidly become a learning organisation so that it may effectively embrace this new challenge.

The intensive four-day workshop, facilitated by WIAL Caribbean's Executive Director, Verieux Mourillon, was well received by the participants as evidenced by these excerpts from their reactions:

"I think it is a process that can be applied to our specific situation and that it will bring about effective change in the individuals' lives and our organisation." Sharon Butters, Pharmacy Supervisor

"… It ensures that learning is achieved by the team in spite of the problem being [addressed]" Andre Bovell, Procurement Manager

"The process of Action Learning is a novel alternative to assist individuals and organisations achieve high levels of productivity and motivated team members." Algernon Roberts, Director of Operations

"I have gained a deeper insight of how to seek out assistance in solving problems … how to identify leadership skills and build on them … more appreciation for team work." La Verne Francis-Brown, Chief Financial Officer

"It highlighted for me that many of the problems we individually struggle with can be addressed once we begin to share ideas and draw on the experiences of others." Tothasha Prince, Senior Accountant

Participants are expected to undertake two Action Learning projects on their own and then submit a paper to WIAL Certification Committee, through WIAL Caribbean, to complete the certification process.