September 20, 2023

67: Are You Ready For Data? With Cindy Eby

34 minutes

Are you ready for data?

This isn't always a question we realize we need to ask. Luckily, Cindy Eby from Results Lab is here to help us ask and answer that key question.

In this episode, we cover the importance of:

Defining Clear Objectives: It's crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your program and define specific outcomes. By doing this, you can design interventions that are targeted and effective.

Execute Consistently: If you aren't delivering your programs more or less the same way every time and with every client, then there's nothing yet that you can evaluate. Start with building a sustainable, reliable process for delivery before attempting evaluation.

Ethical Responsibility: Data plays a vital role in identifying who benefits from a program and who doesn't. Organizations have an ethical responsibility to ensure that their programs are appropriate for their target populations and, when necessary, refer individuals to more suitable services.

Start Small: When incorporating data into program evaluation, it's wise to start with small, focused questions. Don't try to collect and analyze all data at once. Begin by asking specific questions, collecting relevant data, and gradually building your data analysis capabilities.

The Human Element: While data is crucial, it's equally important to consider the human element. Understanding the needs and perspectives of the people you're serving is key. Combining quantitative data with qualitative insights can provide a more holistic view of program effectiveness.

Cindy Eby (she/her), Founder and CEO of ResultsLab, is an innovator when it comes to impact in the social sector and a nationally experienced specialist in guiding nonprofit organizations to build their capacity for using data to catalyze positive change. With a reputation for talking about data in a way that is accessible for stakeholders at every level, she operates her Denver-based company, ResultsLab, on the belief that every team deserves the data mindset, skillset and toolset necessary to deliver on social impact and expand smartly. Cindy applies more than 25 years of experience in helping organizations leverage data to catapult their outcomes. She graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Arts in Sociology. Her career experience has included leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the Nurse-Family Partnership, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, and Mile High United.

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