3 Critical Logic Model Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Website design By BotEap.comAre You Making These 3 Critical Logic Model Mistakes When Evaluating Your Program?
Website design By BotEap.comA logic model is a great way to create a visual representation of your program. At the core of a logic model, each visual representation, or infographic, illustrates a sequence of cause-and-effect relationships.
Website design By BotEap.comAre You Making These 3 Critical Mistakes In Your Program Evaluation?
Website design By BotEap.comIt is very easy to make these mistakes. We recognize that managing a program is hard work. It takes a lot of time to make sure services are delivered, staffing is secured, and participants are engaged, not to mention all the other things that come up here and there.
Website design By BotEap.comYou’re very busy, so making these mistakes isn’t uncommon, it’s actually quite common. That’s why here we provide you with information on some of the most common mistakes that are made when creating a model and how to avoid them. These simple actions will take whatever ambivalence you may have and replace it with confidence!
Website design By BotEap.comMistake #1: Making the model too complicated
Website design By BotEap.comIn essence, a logic model is meant to communicate with others about your theory or basic assumption about your program. When logic models are too detailed or complicated, the information is not easy to understand or use.
Website design By BotEap.comA great way to easily identify your main point is to answer this question: “Why is this a good solution to the identified problem?”
Website design By BotEap.comLogic models come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, they must clearly show “what causes what”, “in what order”, and “what is the desired result”.
Website design By BotEap.comWhat to do instead:
Website design By BotEap.comDon’t make your model too complicated. Here are some guidelines for creating a basic logic model for your program and a checklist to guide you.
Website design By BotEap.com_____ Have you identified cause and effect connections in an intended order?
Website design By BotEap.com_____ Does it effectively and efficiently convey the purpose of your program?
Website design By BotEap.com_____Are you showing the desired results of your program?
Website design By BotEap.comIf you have each of these elements, then you have a basic logic model that will successfully engage supporters of your program. Remember, you’re not developing an action plan, that’s different. Action plans are more detailed and provide step-by-step guidelines for the program. implementation.
Website design By BotEap.comMistake #2: Leaving the Logic Model, “On the Shelf!”
Website design By BotEap.comWhen was the last time you touched your logic model? Do you think that logic models, once created, do not change? This is one of the biggest misconceptions and mistakes that logic modelers and program managers make. The belief that logic models are static prevents the successful use of the model as a tool in your program.
Website design By BotEap.comNew information is available every day. Obviously, a daily review would be tedious and an inefficient use of your time and effort. Checking your model too often can also prevent your program from working or sticking. However, a regular review, at least once a month, will ensure that ongoing learning and development of the program is present and clearly represented to key leaders and champions of the program.
Website design By BotEap.comWhat to do instead:
Website design By BotEap.comUse your logic model to show how change unfolds during the implementation of your program. A great way to track these changes is to have program leaders write down areas of success and barriers on a routine basis. Even if you’re busy making sure programs run smoothly, commit to regularly reviewing your accomplishments and successes.
Website design By BotEap.comDon’t leave it on the shelf, don’t let it get dirty! It is important to keep a clear focus on the value of your logic model as an effective tool. When used regularly, it can help you anchor yourself in your program’s strengths and adjust where there is opportunity for program growth and development.
Website design By BotEap.comMistake #3: The “What did you just say?” Effect
Website design By BotEap.comWe’ve all been there: You get up in front of an audience or sit down with your leadership team and you get “the look.” Yeah, the look that expresses that the audience member has no idea what you’re talking about? This has happened to all of us, at least once, and can be the biggest barrier to engagement, support, and sustainability.
Website design By BotEap.comHow do you get “the look”? Most of the time it’s because you’re experiencing the “What did he just say?” effect. In other words, you are using language that acts as a barrier to communication and understanding rather than enhancing the audience’s knowledge and experience. The third biggest mistake in developing a successful logic model is using too much technical language. Keeping language simple is key to building support for your program and trust in your key champions.
Website design By BotEap.comWhat to do instead:
Website design By BotEap.comA basic logic model is like a simple road map that provides information about where to go, when, and what the desired destination will be. For example, “What I’m going to show you is an infographic (or image) about what [insert name of program here] is doing, how it’s being done, and what we hope to achieve with these efforts.
Website design By BotEap.comUsing these simple terms will ensure that the majority of your audience will be on the same page and understand what you hope to achieve by running your show.
Website design By BotEap.comI know you’ve faced these challenges with your logic model, and if you haven’t experienced them yet, pay close attention because they may present themselves as a challenge in your future.
Website design By BotEap.comYou don’t want to make these 3 critical mistakes, do you?