Failing Forward Quickly as a Developmental Evaluator: Lessons from Year One of the LiveWell Kershaw Journey

Abstract

Background: Learning to be a developmental evaluator is challenging because it is relatively new and sparsely documented in the scholarly literature. Developmental evaluation is intended to support the ever-changing and adaptive nature of complex environments. In a developmental, systems-oriented evaluation framework, the evaluator is embedded in the process to support and generate learnings from ongoing findings.

Purpose: This article presents the lessons learned through one case study and how the concept of failing forward can guide the evaluator’s reflective process through a developmental evaluation.

Setting: Free clinic and community setting in Kershaw County, South Carolina

Intervention: NA

Research Design: NA

Data Collection and Analysis: The Evaluator documented mistakes and lessons learned during the beginning, planning and implementation stages of a complex community health initiative.

Findings: The evaluation team shares five mistakes made along during the journey and lessons learned.  It’s important for teams to understand what differentiates developmental evaluation from other types of evaluation and the role of the evaluator.  The “critical friend” boundary can be easily crossed and the evaluator needs to have a strong understanding of the needs of the initiative.