Tip of the Week: Implement a Comprehensive Evaluation System
As Emmett Carson discusses in Chapter 3 of Nonprofit Management 101, “On Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector,” evaluation systems are critical to an organization’s ability to meet its strategic objectives and goals. We must always take the time to ask ourselves, “What does success look like?” and then hold ourselves accountable to that standard.
Too often, an organization’s evaluation system stops at middle management staff and merely serves as a means for justifying (or turning down) raises and promotions. But who evaluates the CEO? And who evaluates the board, or how does it size up its own efforts? Who makes sure that everyone is asked how effectively the organization is operating and how they see each part contributing to the whole?
Our tip to address this predicament is to implement a comprehensive evaluation system (sometimes known as a 360 evaluation process), in which all levels of the organization are able to provide feedback on their perception of the organization’s effectiveness, and others’ role. This is a great forum for employees to bring problems AND solutions to the table.
To accomplish a proper comprehensive evaluation, first outline strategic goals and key metrics for all areas of the organization, such as program development, fundraising, finance, etc. Then each and every staff and board member must provide candid self-assessments, as well as evaluations of other staff members and departments, including gauging how well they’re working towards achieving these strategic goals.
Read more and discover related resources in Chapter 3 of Nonprofit Management 101.
