10 years ago founder and Chief Evaluator Jess Dart put together what became a viral presentation on “7 secrets to good Monitoring and Evaluation”. With our next Complete Guide to MEL (Measurement, Evaluation and Learning) course just around the corner, we’re revisiting how these secrets stand the test of time, and look at what we might have missed – our 8th secret to good MEL.

Anyone working in the evaluation space can feel the shifts occurring beneath our feet. If we truly want to use our evaluative and impact measurement skills for positive impact, we need to step-up. So following the AES conference, here’s what I’m asking myself – and what I challenge you to consider in your daily work.

Most of us working in the evaluation and impact space are here because we want to contribute to positive change. So, what happens when it turns out our interventions are having a different impact to what’s intended?

We’ve all been there. The dread of knowing you’re about to deliver unwelcome news – and that you’re at least partly responsible. The annoying inner voice that reminds you that you should have trusted your gut and raised your concerns earlier. Mistakes happen and create fertile ground for growth.