.png)
Watch a Demo
.jpg)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit lobortis arcu enim urna adipiscing praesent velit viverra sit semper lorem eu cursus vel hendrerit elementum morbi curabitur etiam nibh justo, lorem aliquet donec sed sit mi dignissim at ante massa mattis.
Vitae congue eu consequat ac felis placerat vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices cursus sit amet dictum sit amet justo donec enim diam porttitor lacus luctus accumsan tortor posuere praesent tristique magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis.
At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus integer feugiat nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget at lectus urna duis convallis. porta nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus nisl donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in.
Nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing vitae aliquet bibendum enim facilisis gravida neque. Velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat volutpat lacus laoreet non curabitur gravida odio aenean sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing tristique risus. amet est placerat.
“Nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing vitae aliquet bibendum enim facilisis gravida neque velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat.”
Eget lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum felis donec et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod eu tincidunt tortor aliquam nulla facilisi aenean sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing ut lectus arcu bibendum at varius vel pharetra nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget.
This is Part 1 of a five part conversation with Dr. Jim Singleton, Executive Director of Missional Leadership for Leighton Ford Ministries. Jim leverages years of experience as a senior pastor, seminary professor, mentor, and mentee to help raise up the next generation of missional leadership.
When it comes to research and evaluation, data and metrics often take center stage while the role of narrative is sometimes overlooked. However, narratives play a pivotal role in assessments, providing the much-needed context that transforms raw data into meaningful insights about the people we serve. In our conversation with Dr. Jim Singleton, we explore the importance of narrative in assessments and its impact on informed decision-making.
Assessments, whether in ministry, business, education, or healthcare, often deal with complex human interactions and behaviors. Metrics and statistics alone cannot capture the nuances of these situations. Narratives, on the other hand, allow individuals to convey their experiences, emotions, and perspectives. This human element is invaluable in understanding the 'why' behind the numbers.
Case in Point: Quantitative data can indicate a decline in attendance at worship services. However, through narrative feedback, you may discover that this decline is linked to a lack of engagement in community programs or spiritual disconnection. These narratives offer a context that enables church leaders to address the underlying spiritual needs rather than simply reacting to attendance figures.
Narratives have the unique ability to reveal hidden patterns and trends that might be concealed within data. While data points provide information, narratives connect those points, exposing underlying issues or opportunities.
Case in Point: In a healthcare setting, patient feedback data might show a consistent trend of longer waiting times in the emergency room. However, it's only through patient narratives that you might discover recurring issues related to triage processes or staff communication. These narratives become the key to improving patient care.
Narratives resonate with people on a personal level. When individuals feel heard and understood, their engagement and trust in the assessment process increase. This can lead to more candid and insightful feedback, ultimately improving the quality of assessments.
Case in Point: Educational institutions often gather feedback from students. While survey responses provide some data, allowing students to share their experiences and suggestions through narratives fosters a deeper sense of involvement. These narratives empower educators to make adjustments that cater to students' specific needs.
Incorporating narrative into assessments is not about replacing data but rather about enhancing its richness and relevance. Combining quantitative data with qualitative narratives provides a comprehensive view of the situation, enabling organizations to make more informed decisions. The next time you conduct an assessment, remember that behind every data point, there's a person with a story waiting to be told, and their story holds the key to understanding and improving their life.
