What are the best ways to handle stakeholder pushback on evaluation results?

1 Understand the sources of pushback

Before you present or share your evaluation results, it is important to anticipate any potential pushback from stakeholders. This could be due to differences in assumptions, values, or perspectives than the evaluators or the evaluation criteria. Additionally, stakeholders may have invested a lot of time, money, or reputation in the project, program, or policy and may not want to accept failure or weakness. It is also possible that they have conflicting interests, agendas, or incentives that could be threatened by the evaluation results. Lastly, they may have low trust or confidence in the evaluation process, methods, or data quality. By understanding these potential sources of pushback, you can craft an effective communication strategy and address any underlying concerns or objections from your stakeholders.

2 Present the results clearly and constructively

When you present or share your evaluation results, make sure you do so clearly and constructively. Avoid using jargon, technical terms, or acronyms that may confuse or alienate your stakeholders. Use visuals, stories, or examples to illustrate your findings and recommendations. Highlight the strengths and achievements of the project, program, or policy, as well as the areas for improvement or learning. Explain the rationale, evidence, and assumptions behind your evaluation results, and acknowledge the limitations, uncertainties, or gaps in your evaluation. Emphasize the value and purpose of the evaluation for enhancing the performance, quality, or impact of the project, program, or policy.

3 Listen and respond to feedback

After you present or share your evaluation results, be prepared to listen and respond to feedback from your stakeholders. Invite them to ask questions, share their views, or express their emotions. Show empathy, respect, and openness to their feedback, even if it is negative or critical. Avoid being defensive, dismissive, or argumentative. Clarify any misunderstandings, address any factual errors, or provide additional information or evidence if needed. Acknowledge any valid points, concerns, or suggestions that your stakeholders may have. Thank them for their feedback and involvement in the evaluation.

4 Negotiate and collaborate on action plans

The final step in handling stakeholder pushback on evaluation results is to negotiate and collaborate on action plans based on the evaluation findings and recommendations. Rather than imposing or dictating your action plans, seek to involve your stakeholders in co-creating or co-deciding on the next steps. Discuss the feasibility, desirability, and priority of the proposed actions, and identify the roles, responsibilities, and resources of each stakeholder. Establish a timeline, a monitoring system, and a feedback mechanism for implementing and reviewing the action plans. Reinforce the benefits and outcomes of the action plans for the project, program, or policy, as well as for the stakeholders.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?