Why measuring change can be so hard A conversation I had with a friend yesterday reminded me why measuring change is so hard. I was telling this friend how proud I was of them because I could see how differently they were talking about themself now from a few years ago. Nothing directly measurable about… Continue reading Why measuring change can be so hard
Why telling your story can solve your #1 problem Someone asked me recently what I think is the biggest problem that child- and family-serving organizations are facing right now. My answer? Funding. Organizations that are trying to make the world better aren’t doing their work for a profit. They’re figuring out how to get the… Continue reading Why telling your story can solve your #1 problem
How to avoid toddler-like meltdowns about your data Have you ever tried putting a toddler to bed when they’re off their routine? If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re already cringing because you know it’s a nightmare. Bedtime routines are a sacred system – a protocol – that allow evenings to run smoothly. Everyone knows… Continue reading How to avoid toddler-like meltdowns about your data
A FREE tool for you to take control of your data! The past two weeks, I’ve been walking you through the Engage with Data process, starting with discovering what you’ve already got and assessing what you need. And like a good former teacher, now I’ve got a way for you to put it into practice.… Continue reading A FREE tool for you to take control of your data!
What’s driving you nuts about your data right now? We all love to complain sometimes. C’mon, you know a venting session feels pretty good. But thinking through the things we’re always complaining about can actually give us good information. So when I work with child- and family-serving organizations, I invite them to complain. Seriously. Until… Continue reading What’s driving you nuts about your data right now?
Head versus heart in evaluation Last Friday, I had a blast presenting at the Ohio Program Evaluators Group (OPEG) Spring Exchange about how we can use our evaluation skillset to empower and engage communities that are being silenced and harmed. My presentation was the last one on a full-day agenda featuring the work of many… Continue reading Head versus heart in evaluation
The good, the bad, and the really bad of data viz When I see a really great chart or graph (data visualization or “data viz”) … or a really terrible one, I’ll take a screenshot of it. I’m cool like that. But here’s why I do it. The really good ones get me excited, and… Continue reading The good, the bad, and the really bad of data viz
When numbers help, and when stories matter more I know I talk about data … a lot. But for me, it’s really not about the numbers. It’s not about the spreadsheets (I do still really love spreadsheets though). It’s not about the reports and fancy graphs and charts. It’s about the people behind those numbers. … Continue reading When numbers help, and when stories matter more
The scary things that data use is NOT I’m not going to lie, I still have occasional nightmares about high school calculus, even though that was … a lot of years ago. That class really made me feel like a failure. Clearly, deep in my subconscious, that has stuck with me. So I understand when… Continue reading The scary things that data use is NOT
When the data speaks for itself (I’m back! Let’s just say that working from home full-time with an infant and no childcare is not for the faint of heart. I’m hoping to share with you more regularly throughout the summer and beyond.) As I’m sure has been the case with you, the past few weeks… Continue reading When the data speaks for itself
