Evaluation Baron: Evalu8 Archives

Evalu8 for the Week Ending April 17, 2010

By Michelle on Apr 15, 2010

With every problem comes a solution.

Evaluation can help your organization improve existing processes.

Select an evaluator who keeps up with the trends and issues in your industry, and with whom you can discuss viable solutions to what ails your organization.

Think outside the box with regard to evaluating a program, product, etc. There are a number of evaluation techniques that may get at the heart of what you're looking for.

The evaluator should discuss a range of options that provide value to you and to the organization. Be explicit about your information and service needs so the evaluator can readily accommodate you.

Before every project, and throughout the process, ensure that both you and your evaluator are clear on what's being evaluated, your needs and goals, and that you understand the data collection methods and other techniques your evaluator will use to help you.

A proficient evaluator will document not only the costs of the project, but the value you as the client gain for the endeavor.

Before engaging in any project, consider how it will impact your business in the short, intermediate, and long terms.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending 3 April 2010

By Michelle on Apr 3, 2010

Utilize the problem-solving abilities of the evaluator you work with, not just expertise, as you work together to make your organization more efficient and effective.
Evaluators take their own medicine - they are constantly upgrading their own efficiency, too.
Your evaluator will work with you on a project schedule that works for everyone.
A professional evaluator strives for both quality and value in assisting you in making your business successful.
A professional evaluator should care about your organization enough to at least offer preliminary guidance on your project regardless of whether you are officially contracted with that person for work.
A professional evaluator evaluates the quality of his or her own work (called metaevaluation). Be prepared at the end of a project to discuss the outcome and quality with the evaluator.
Evaluators often serve as advisors to boards of directors. In that capacity, they are able to use their expertise, learn from others, and give back to the community.
Be open to new ideas and possibilities. What may not have worked well in the past may be just the solution to today's needs.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending March 27, 2010

By Michelle on Mar 22, 2010

Evaluators who are not only practitioners, but who also conduct research and/or teach, bring a comprehensive wealth of knowledge to your organization, and can use the resulting information for a 360-degree perspective of your project.

Professional evaluators maintain their independence and objectivity in all situations in order to provide you the most comprehensive and focused evaluation about your project.

During your evaluation project, a thorough data analysis ensures synchronization among methods, findings, and recommendations. Make the time to refocus as necessary.

Professional evaluators often team up with other consultants to provide diversity and expertise on an evaluation project.

When starting a project, work with the evaluator to determine the most effective communication mechanisms that will help you access and use information to your advantage.

Focus both on content and information use to help your organization improve.

Combine business process knowledge as well as knowledge of evaluation techniques so the project flows smoother.

When conducting an evaluation, your primary thought should be how whatever you're evaluating fits into the big picture - how it aligns with the mission and goals of your organization.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending January 16, 2010

By Michelle on Jan 15, 2010

Look for an evaluator who is a clear communicator, and can discuss evaluation in terms you can understand.
Professional evaluators collaborate together at conferences and other engagements, and can provide you with fresh ideas to evaluate your programs.
In accordance with The Guiding Principles for Evaluators, evaluators continuously develop their evaluation competencies through professional development courses or other training opportunities.
Prior to beginning any evaluation activity, consider what the goals are of the program or other area you are evaluating, and what your information needs are for that program.
Specify the best means of communication and reporting with your evaluator to ensure seamless information exchange.
Be clear about your intent to all stakeholders.
Be open and willing to use the results of an evaluation.
Be open to change.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending January 9, 2010

By Michelle on Jan 9, 2010

Look for an evaluator who is not only competent in what he or she does, but who has confidence in your organization and respective programs - someone who wants to help your organization succeed.
Evaluation is known by many different terms, such as performance improvement, review, and tracking. An evaluator can help explain the concept in terms you can readily understand.
Discuss with an evaluator any ethical concerns you have about a project before proceeding.
Take the time to brainstorm ideas with an evaluator on the optimal approach to an evaluation, and ask a lot of questions to increase your understanding.
Although much evaluation work can be accomplished electronically, be sure to make time to meet in person with your evaluator from time to time to exchange information or ideas, and to discuss the progress of your evaluation project.
Before brushing off a new idea, investigate why that idea didn't work in the past, and how your circumstances have changed.
Learn about what you are evaluating from the start.
Invest in planning.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending December 26, 2009

By Michelle on Dec 26, 2009

Building trust with an evaluator helps that person understand your needs as an organization and can bring greater objectivity, precision, and usefulness to an evaluation.
Look for an evaluator who brings enthusiasm and life to an evaluation or other project. This helps infuse new ideas for improvement into the organization.
Select an evaluator who is serious about professional development - individually and in collaboration with colleagues.
When contracting for evaluation services, keep in mind the quality and value you receive.
With proper training from an evaluation consultant, your organization can become self-sufficient with regard to your evaluation needs.
Look for an evaluator who listens to your organizational needs, and then makes recommendations as necessary.
Look for an evaluator who keeps his or her professional skills current, to include evaluation, consulting, management, and communication.
Make meetings meaningful.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending December 19, 2009

By Michelle on Dec 19, 2009

Work with your evaluator to decide who the stakeholders are and their degree of involvement in the evaluation or project.
Anecdotes or stories are an excellent way to get your ideas across with an evaluator and with your staff.
Consider subscribing to various consultants' websites for tips on evaluation, organizational development, or other topics.
An evaluator makes recommendations; you as the stakeholder and client choose to accept or reject those recommendations to any degree.
The evaluation reporting process is flexible to accommodate your organizational needs, so do not hesitate to discuss with the evaluator a particular reporting style or protocol that you prefer.
Discuss with the evaluator various consulting experiences as they pertain to your organization to get an idea of philosophy, work style, and usefulness.
Look for an evaluator who brings value to your organization - someone who helps translate information into knowledge you can use to be more effective in your business.
Look for an evaluator who will provide useful recommendations you can implement immediately to make a difference in your business.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending December 12, 2009

By Michelle on Dec 12, 2009

Ask "What if" questions about your program to know how to evaluate relevant aspects of it.
When evaluating productivity and development, consider professional development as an investment in your organization's future.
Make sure that people can identify with your program (evaluate that aspect).
Don't be afraid to act on the results of an evaluation regardless of the outcome of that evaluation.
Learn to ask "Why" as a problem-solving tool for your program. Asking why is the first step in evaluation.
Set realistic expectations when designing an evaluation.
Coordinate with the evaluator regarding your reporting protocol or preferences.
Keep up with reading in your profession, as well as on evaluation of aspects of your work. An evaluator can recommend books or articles to peak your interest and inform your business.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending December 5, 2009

By Michelle on Dec 2, 2009

Include all decision makers when discussing a project.
Look for an evaluation consultant who not only consults or completes projects, but who also teaches the skills and significance of evaluation via seminars, speaking engagements, etc.
An evaluation consulting contract is typically made with the organization, not with a specific person in that organization.
A meeting is as much about people's thoughts, ideas, and attitudes as it is about getting things done.
The client should be in charge of meetings due to the decision-making nature of some meetings.
Don't decline evaluation services just because you cannot afford to pay due to the economic downturn. With corporate restructuring and refinement, you can't afford NOT to enlist the help of a consultant. Together the two of you can work out something, such as an exchange for in-kind services.
An evaluation consultant will help you understand how your programs relate to your organization's internal and external vision.
Evaluation is a lot more than finance and numbers.

Evalu8 for the Week Ending September 4, 2009

By Michelle on Sep 4, 2009

Ensure you take into account the views of all stakeholders when looking at a particular program.

Focus on the particulars of the evaluation scope. Informal conversations or opinions do not change the scope of work.

The evaluation consultant makes every effort to ensure that you understand the evaluation process and the results, conclusions, and recommendations at the end. However, it is your job as the client to speak up if there is anything you don't understand.

Be willing to give referrals to consultants who do good work for your organization; also be willing to discuss with him or her areas where the consultant can improve.

Make clear the unclear from the start.

Learn about what you are evaluating from the start (the subject matter).

Invest in planning.

Communicate your intentions and expectations for the evaluation program.

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