Outcome statements should be . . .
We believe outcome statements should be meaningful, measurable, and manageable. If an outcome statement cannot meet all three of those criteria, we don’t recommend it.
Further, as you brainstorm possible outcomes, they should be evaluated against those criteria, in that order. Oftentimes, organizations arrive at the outcomes they do – the ones they do not like, trust, or use – because they start by asking, “What can we measure?” instead of starting by asking, “What’s meaningful?” They end up counting what is easy to count and calling it a day. Instead, we encourage organizations to start by identifying statements that describe meaningful results, then translate those into measurable terms, and then establish manageable ways to measure them. For more on meaningful outcomes, check out this post from our archives.
What makes an outcome meaningful?
- Outcomes should capture the meaning – essence, purpose, and value – of your program.
- Outcome statements should be specific and compelling enough that their meaning and significance is clear and motivating to external stakeholders.
- They should provide meaningful and relevant feedback that you can use to make decisions, plans, and improvements.
Are your outcomes meaningful?
If not, try this. Suspend reality. Clear your mind of funder requirements, assessments, and surveys. Set aside the question of measurability, for now. Ask yourself,
- Why does this program exist and why does that matter?
- What difference or contribution does this program make?
- What is this program good at?
Next time, we’ll talk about what makes an outcome measurable. There are lots of meaningless things you could measure, but what a waste of time, energy, and resources! Do not pass go, do not collect $200, until you are sure you have identified meaningful outcomes.