#255 CPR

One of the most helpful frameworks I have ever learned came from a workshop conducted by Bob Pike.  He advocated for deploying a three-step process in training design using the easy-to-remember acronym of CPR. While the steps don't stand for something that would literally save a life, following them has undoubtedly saved me from numerous missteps throughout the years.

C = Content
FIRST start by figuring out what message you wish to convey.  What is the content or objective of your workshop or message?  

P = Participation
THEN think about how you can incorporate a participatory element to your presentation.  You would be surprised at how often people intuitively want to start with this step.  They have a "cool idea" of how they can do things or start putting together a schedule without regard to step one.

R = Review
There are many ways to include this component: a literal review of concepts at the end; a handout for participants to self-review later; a follow-up email, or an exercise at a subsequent meeting to discuss applications of the concept.  

Consciously applying these three steps -- in this order -- will serve you well when developing a workshop, event, retreat, meeting, etc.  While I hope you never have to use the Red Cross version of CPR, I do hope you deploy the training version every time you are gathering a group.  You'll be amazed at the congruency that those three little steps bring you.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com