A framework for responding to hard situations

Event + Response = Outcome

If you sit in on one of our Personal and Professional Development Trainings, you’ll hear about the concept of E+R=O. This formula stands for event + response = outcome and can be a helpful tool for working through decisions and hard circumstances in life. It’s a reminder that we can’t control everything around us, but we have the power to choose our responses. The choices we make then impact the outcomes we experience. We’ll walk through the method together using COVID-19 as an example.

E = Event – What is our current situation?

The event can be any circumstance or experience, from a job loss or furlough period to a challenging interaction with a family member. Start by identifying the event that occurred and surrounding details. Events are often beyond our immediate control.

In our example, the event is the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s caused challenges for our training participants and communities such as job losses, financial hardships, school closures and feelings of isolation and fear. Our physical offices are closed for training courses, and our staff are working remotely.

R = Response – How do we respond to the challenge?

In contrast to the event, our response is something we can control. We have choices in how we respond, and the way we respond can help us achieve an outcome more in line with our goals and values. We can move from quick reactions to thought-out responses, and we can adapt our responses over time.

Rather than putting our work on pause at this time, we’ve chosen to respond by working and coaching in new ways to meet immediate needs. We’ve moved our services online to help job seekers build in-demand skills and connect with employers. LTCs continue to help participants access needed community resources like food and housing. (If you could use support in your job search, consider joining us for our next Personal and Professional Development Training!)

O = Outcome – What outcomes did you experience?

While you can’t change the event, you can choose your response, which plays a big part in the outcomes/results you experience. Knowing the outcome you desire can help you determine what action to take as a response. 

In terms of outcomes, the response we chose led us into a range of new opportunities. We’ve welcomed new partnerships and been able to offer more options for training times thanks to the flexibility of virtual learning. We’re thankful for these new opportunities and the continued process of growth.

You can listen to a recap of this example from two of our Kansas City Life Transformation Coaches (LTCs), Aisha and Helen! After individuals complete Personal and Professional Development Training, they’re paired with an LTC who can help them apply concepts from training to everyday situations and support them as they advance toward their career and life goals.  

If you want to learn more about participating in a training or want to partner with us by donating, we’d love to connect with you! Sign up to learn more about services