Are You Making These 3 Critical Logic Model Mistakes In Evaluating Your Program?
A 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.
Are you making these 3 critical mistakes in evaluating your program?
It is very easy to make these mistakes. We recognize that managing a program is hard work. It takes a long time to make sure services are delivered, staff are secured, and participants are engaged, not to mention all the other things that come up here and there.
You are very busy, so making these mistakes is not unheard of; actually, it is quite common. So here’s some information on some of the most common mistakes made when creating a model and how to avoid them. These simple actions will take whatever ambivalence you may have and confidently replace it!
Error n. # 1: make your model too complicated
In 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.
A great way to easily identify your main point is to answer this question: “Why is this a good solution to the identified problem?”
Logic models come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, they should clearly show “what causes what,” “in what order,” and “what is the desired result.”
What to do instead:
Don’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.
_____ Have you identified the cause and effect connections in an intentional order?
_____ Do you effectively and efficiently convey the purpose of your program?
_____ Are you showing what the desired results of your program are?
If you have each of these elements, then you have a basic logic model that will successfully attract supporters of your program. Remember, you are not developing an action plan, that is different. The action plans are more detailed and provide step-by-step guidelines for the program. implementation.
Error n. # 2: leave the logic model, “on the shelf!”
When was the last time you touched your logic model? Do you think that the logic models, once created, do not change? This is one of the biggest misconceptions and mistakes made by logic modelers and program managers. The belief that logic models are static prevents the successful use of the model as a tool in your program.
Every day new information is available. Obviously, a daily review would be tedious and an inefficient use of your time and effort. Reviewing your model too often can also prevent your program from running or sustained. However, a periodic review, at least once a month, promises that ongoing learning and program development is present and clearly represented for key leaders and champions of the program.
What to do instead:
Use your logic model to show how change plays out 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 the programs run smoothly, commit to reviewing your accomplishments and successes regularly.
Don’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 build on your program’s strengths and adapt where there is opportunity for program growth and development.
Error n. 3: “What did you just say?” Effect
We’ve all been there – you get up in front of an audience or you sit down with your leadership team and you get “the look.” Yes, the look that expresses that the audience member has no idea what you are talking about? This has happened to each of us, at least once, and it can be the biggest barrier to engagement, support, and sustainability.
How do you get “the look”? Most of the time it is because you are experiencing the “What did you just say?” effect. In other words, you are using language that acts as a barrier to communication and understanding rather than enhancing the knowledge and experience of the audience. The third biggest mistake in developing a successful logic model is using too much technical language. Keeping your language simple is key to building support for your program and confidence in your key champions.
What to do instead:
A basic logic model is like a simple roadmap that provides information on where to go, when, and what the desired destination will be. For example, “What I’m going to show you is an infographic (or an image) about what [insert name of program here] it is doing, how it is being done, and what we hope to achieve with these efforts. “
Using 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.
I know that you have encountered these challenges with your logic model and if you have not experienced these challenges yet, pay close attention because they may present themselves as a challenge in your future.
You don’t want to make these 3 critical mistakes, right?
