review · Evaluation, Planning, Strategy · 120–240 min · 5-20 people · medium energy

Empowerment Evaluation - Three-Step Approach

This method guides a group through a structured process of defining their mission, assessing their current performance, and planning for future improvements, fostering ownership and accountability. It's effective for teams seeking to enhance their self-awareness and drive positive change through collaborative evaluation.

When to use Empowerment Evaluation - Three-Step Approach

Use this method when a team or organization needs to conduct a self-assessment to identify areas for improvement and develop a strategic plan for the future. It is particularly useful when fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility is important.

What it solves

Lack of clear direction, Ineffective self-assessment, Disconnected strategic planning

How to run Empowerment Evaluation - Three-Step Approach, step by step

  1. Establish the Mission (60 min). Facilitate a group discussion to generate mission statements. Record these statements on a whiteboard. Draft a consolidated mission statement collaboratively.
  2. Take Stock (60 min). Have the group list key activities needed to achieve their goals. Each participant gets five dot stickers to vote for the most important activities. Tally the votes to prioritize the top 10 activities.
  3. Plan for the Future (60-120 min). Rate the group's performance on each of the top 10 activities using a 1-10 scale. Facilitate a discussion about the ratings, focusing on the reasons behind the scores and identifying areas for improvement. Develop an action plan based on the evaluation findings.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers
  • Dot stickers
  • Rating scale (1-10)
  • Action planning template

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage open and honest dialogue during the rating and discussion phases.
  • Ensure all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute their perspectives.
  • Focus on identifying actionable steps for improvement rather than dwelling on past failures.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may be hesitant to provide honest feedback due to fear of criticism. Create a safe and supportive environment where vulnerability is encouraged.
  • The group may struggle to reach a consensus on the mission statement or prioritized activities. Facilitate the discussion and help the group find common ground.

Variations

  • Use different voting methods, such as thumbs up/down or fist of five.
  • Incorporate external data or benchmarks to inform the self-assessment process.
  • Break the process into multiple sessions to allow for more in-depth discussion and reflection.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a collaborative whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural for brainstorming and dot voting. Ensure all participants have access to editing tools.

What it produces

A shared mission statement, a prioritized list of activities for improvement, and an action plan for the future.

Origin

Adapted from Fetterman, 2001 — source

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