Is ‘evaluation’ a dirty word?
We’ve noticed staff sometimes tense up when someone suggests evaluative research. People can assume that evaluating an experience or system also means evaluating their performance. As deeply embedded as the term “evaluation” is inside museums, it can still function as jargon in day-to-day operations. For instance, if you tell someone in visitor services you’re excited to evaluate the lobby experience for visitors, they may believe you’re evaluating their work and, by extension, them.
In this Outcomes Lab session, we’ll discuss ways to overcome misconceptions or resistance to research that seeks to optimize performance and results (i.e., evaluation). The problem is not technical — getting "better" at evaluation is not the solution. Instead, the Wisdom Circle will address the social friction points that keep learning from getting off the ground or being adopted.
How the Wisdom Circle works
One person shares a specific moment related to our topic.
Others ask that person clarifying questions about the moment they shared.
The first person turns off their camera and microphone and listens while others on the call share their experiences and generate ideas around how to approach the first person's circumstance.
The first member turns their camera and microphone back on; the group discusses with them what resonated and what they can do next to act on the challenge.
Sessions are recorded for internal reference, and recordings are not shared.