EEF Expansion: Elements of the EEF—Tensions
- Equitable Evaluation Initiative
- May 21, 2023
- 1 min read
Tensions are inherent strains to be named, navigated, and normalized. They can provide support in traversing the Orthodoxies named in the Equitable Evaluation Framework™.
Tensions are inherent in change processes, but they need not become breaking points.
Tensions can cause emotional, cognitive, or relational strain, requiring deft attention and
navigation. As individuals expand their being, thinking, and doing, opposition between existing practices and processes and emerging possibilities can create resistance, frustration, and confusion.
Rather than getting stuck in either/or, embracing a both/and approach recognizes complexity.Tensions provide a way to notice and surface the interrelationship of varying levels and issues in the practice of the EEF at differing perspectives. Tensions provide opportunities to name and address the dissonance (opposing ideas/approaches driven by different values and fears) and shift toward consonance (flow between one another). The aim and intention is not to “solve” tensions; rather it is to recognize, name, normalize, and navigate them.
Social Positions & Roles Deference to hierarchy and social status | |  | | Influence, Organize, Mobilize One's sphere of influence to step in or bring others along |
A Thing A project, program, study, etc. done in isolation or a vacuum | | | | A Body of Work An expansive view that offers through lines and ah-ha’s connecting intentions and concepts |
Individuals Individual competencies, needs, desires, and values | | Organizations Organizational capacities, culture, and mission | | Systems Structural conditions and underlying systemic drivers at play |
Technical Approaches A focus or priority on detailed tactical tools and approaches | | | | Conditions for Change The support and nurture of relationship, trust, and related factors that invite possibility |
Use & Adaptation Application and modification of information and insights from people and sources for one’s own credit | | | | Acknowledge & Attribution Recognition of the work that supports or informs your work with citation |
Urgent & Reactive Pressures of deadlines, dockets, deliverables and decisions that revert to default practices | | | Aligned & Responsive Time to pause and think about how the work might strategically integrate and advance aims and intentions |
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Interesting discussion on EEF expansion and its tensions. There’s a lot of complexity involved. Staying steady and making the right decisions under pressure really matters when dealing with situations like this, a bit like staying focused while playing slope 2.
Nice reflection on the idea of “tensions” within the Equitable Evaluation Framework. I like how the post explains that tensions are not problems to eliminate but realities to recognize and navigate as change happens. Seeing evaluation work through a “both/and” lens rather than an “either/or” mindset really highlights the complexity of social impact work. Reading thoughtful pieces like this also reminds me how important it is to balance deep thinking with simple creative breaks, and sometimes I unwind with relaxing coloring pages from Fargeleggingssider.com.
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