What is the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique?

SITUATION

• Situation: At Coursera, I was tasked with planning a professional development program for a global team of healthcare educators, including staff in Russia, translators, and subject matter experts (SMEs) from various locations.

TASK

• Task: My goal was to conduct a gap analysis and needs assessment to identify the specific skills and knowledge areas that needed enhancement. This analysis would inform the design of a program aimed at bridging those gaps and updating educators on the latest advancements in medical education.

ACTION

• Action: I began by conducting a thorough gap analysis and needs assessment, gathering data from various stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and industry experts. Using this information, I designed a comprehensive program curriculum tailored to the identified needs. I coordinated with expert speakers from different regions, planned meeting times that accommodated participants in Russia, Europe, and the US, and managed logistics such as scheduling, translation services, and resource distribution. Additionally, I implemented an evaluation process to measure the program’s effectiveness and gather feedback for future improvements.

RESULT

• Result: The program was highly successful, with participants reporting that the training addressed their specific gaps and enhanced their teaching abilities. The program effectively bridged the identified gaps, leading to a more skilled and knowledgeable team. The success of the program and the positive feedback it received have led to its establishment as an annual event, with growing participation and continuous improvements based on the needs of the participants.