STEP-up to P.E.T.S. framework to facilitate Groups

Ajit

I created this framework for our Facilitation Workshops specially to understand the client & sponsors need and for Planning & Guiding the Group to Desired Outcomes.

Seeing its efficacy in designing facilitation projects, I am seeing its impact in other methodologies too.

For instance, can Trainers use the same framework?  

And then, Why not Presenters, Speakers and even Teachers & Professors?

So lets understand the Palindrome

STEP-up to P.E.T.S.

For an Enabler (Read my LinkedIn article “Being an Enabler: Bridging differences between speaking, training & facilitation” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/enabler-bridging-differences-between-speaking-ajit-kamath-cpf), understanding the group is important and that’s when one needs to really Step-up to the four key-stakeholders in any engagement; Client, Sponsor, Group, Self (Facilitator).

Using the P.E.T.S. framework helps a Facilitator Step-Up to all the stakeholder requirements.

So let us explore the PETS framework.

P = People

The make of people whom you would be facilitating (see image). This helps the facilitator understand the size, age group, position, qualifications, language and the diversity.  

E = Environment

Understanding the environment in the organisation starts with the context that the facilitator needs to be aware of. Other environmental perspectives would be culture, people dynamic such as hierarchy, conflicts, values etc. It is also important to check if the decision maker presence is going to impact the facilitation (see image)

T = Time

Time is important as this helps the facilitator design & develop their session. It also helps choose an appropriate process which can be fitted. If not, then it is important to negotiate with the client, sponsor and/or group for additional time. Factor the time of day the session is scheduled as the group’s energy would be different at different times of the day.

S = Space

This is something that most facilitators in India feel that they have no influence over as the space allotted for a facilitation depends on the client and their budget, availability, number of participants and at times whims and fancies of admin team. Pushing for the right space is very important and critical to one’s facilitation.

Now that P.E.T.S. framework has been detailed out, its time to check whether the other practitioners can use this framework to deep-dive their understanding of the work they deliver. My personal opinion is that it fits the need of Trainers, Speakers, Presenters and also Professors and Teachers.