What is it about?
Ever feel like a group can’t move forward because differences of views and opinions are so strong? In this article, you will learn how to use those differences as "dynamic tensions" that propel the group forward with creativity. Seven dynamic tensions common in the Program Evaluation world are explained. There is also a list of questions to guide your reflective practice after your meetings. This article helps evaluators learn to facilitate better meetings, but is also insightful to facilitators who need to learn more about evaluation.
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Why is it important?
These days, high-stakes conversations with a variety of perspectives are frequent, especially for program evaluators. If you aren't comfortable facilitating sessions amidst differences of opinion, all your work can get sabotaged when the conflict erupts. Learning to see and plan for differences ahead of time and getting comfortable with differences of opinion can help you use the tension to your benefit instead of destroying your work.
Perspectives
This article explains some practices that many facilitators practice, but they may not know how to explain, or teach. This article, as the others in this volume builds the bridge of knowledge between Evaluation and Facilitation for the benefit of both professions. RITA S. FIERRO, PhD, is the founder of Fierro Consulting, LLC, working for national and international organizations, nonprofits, foundations, and innovative businesses worldwide. Dr. Fierro combines community organizing strategies and program evaluation to help groups experience excellence while they achieve positive social impact. For more information about her work go to: www.fierroconsultingllc.com.
Dr Rita S Fierro
Fierro Consulting, LLC
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Enhancing Facilitation Skills: Dancing with Dynamic Tensions, New Directions for Evaluation, March 2016, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/ev.20177.
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