My capacity building approach

My approach to evaluation and organization or program development is based on 4 core principles:

1. Partnership

No consultant or program outsider has the level of program specific knowledge and expertise necessary to develop a culture of learning or to plan or implement high quality evaluation. Nor are consultants present enough to sustain evaluative thinking practices. Therefore, I view any consultancy or facilitation work I do as a partnership between program staff as insiders and the capacity builder as an outsider. My role as a consultant is to offer my expertise, advice, and strategies and request interpretation, feedback and program expertise from my program partners. 

2. Participation

While evaluation work can be done by one person in isolation, it is most beneficial when it is practiced by all members of an organization. Therefore, my approach to consultation and capacity building focuses on including as many members of an organization as possible- including representatives from all levels of that organization's hierarchy in ways that are most meaning for them.

3. Practice

In order to develop a productive evaluation culture, learning habits (including evaluative thinking) must be intentionally and regularly practiced. To that end my workshops center around practicing strategies and activities that can incorporated into regular work routines. 

4. Flexibility

Every organization is different. Every participant group is different. In order to maximize the impact of any effort, I am committed to creating a detailed, customized plan for each individual organization and group. In addition, just as I recommend to my participants, I am a committed reflective practitioner. As such, I am open to feedback and making changes to the original plan as needed.