FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Compression Planning:
Q: How can I learn about Compression Planning?
A: You can purchase the book Exploding the Meeting Myth: The Compression Planning Advantage. Also consider attending the Compression Planning Institute at Oglebay.
Q: What can I do with Compression Planning after I learn it?
A: The uses of Compression Planning are unlimited. Any time you need to think through a complex issue, Compression Planning is a systematic way of dissecting that issue and developing an actionable plan to accomplish it.
Whether it is a large group or just yourself, Compression Planning gives you a replicable way of quickly thinking through any issue – professional or personal.
Q: Who is Compression Planning for?
A: Compression Planning isn’t for everyone. It is a collaborative system and works best with individuals who are truly collaborative. It is also ideal for:
• Anyone who leads groups
• Professional Facilitators find Compression Planning to be a remarkable system they can then plug other processes into and adapt CP for their groups needs
Q: What do I need to be able to do Compression Planning?
A: All you need are storyboards and some simple supplies. You do not need any fancy electronic gadgets that have a learning curve. As soon as you complete the Compression Planning Institute, you are fully equipped to start leading Compression Planning sessions.
Q: Will this work on leading a group to a pre-determined conclusion?
A: No. That is management by manipulation and groups are too smart – they know when they are being had. Anything else? Yes.
Q: What is the best way to install CP in my organization?
A: Many organizations send individuals to the Institute at Oglebay to “check out Compression Planning.” This frequently leads to an in-house training for a targeted, cross-sectioned group of 16-24 individuals. Or send a small group of 2-6 participants. The success rate when more than one person is equipped with Compression Planning is tenfold.
Q: What type of leadership does CP work best with?
A: Simply stated…collaborative. Compression Planning pulls out the best thinking of groups, and one needs to appreciate and be willing to listen to what others in an organization have to contribute.
Q: What can I expect to be able to accomplish with CP?
A: Compression Planning is not a “magic bullet.” You will, however, be able to FOCUS on pulling off those things that make sense to tackle and you’ll be able to do it in timeframes that are too unbelievable to print.
Q: Is this team building?
A: This is not a “ropes course” kind of activity. There are others out there that specifically target team building. We have found that team building is a by-product of working on meaningful stuff – get a group to tackle something significant where they have to think and plan and act together to pull it off, and many of the problems that lead to the original pursuit of “team building” go away naturally.
Q: Do I have to keep coming back for more to be able to become truly proficient in CP?
A: Nope. The only thing you have to do is DO IT. The more you do Compression Planning, the better (and more comfortable and proficient) you will get.
Q: What types of issues work best for CP? Immediate needs versus long-term planning?
A: All of the above. If you need to get a group together to think through an issue – be in immediate or long term – Compression Planning is the system to use.