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If you were to draw up a map of the issues that face you, what would the map look like? What topography are you confronting -- a smooth plain or a ragged ridge? Who cares most about your map? What circumstances would allow you to come to agreement with your colleagues or combatants? What are some options for moving ahead?
These questions can be answered when a strategic assessment, done by a skilled and neutral evaluator, explores and illuminates the issues and outlines options for resolution. Think of this assessment as your topographic map of the issues: where to find the high points; where paths can be forged; where the way is rocky.
There are many ways to conduct an assessment, and to use the results. Click on these links for some examples.
 Simple Assessment: a Letter (Word Doc)
Assessment in Themes (PPT)
Comprehensive Assessment - Communities (Word Doc)
Comprehensive Assessment - Watershed (Word Doc)
Examples of imagery used in Strategic Assessment:
Concept diagram
Assessment of Process Steps
Internal structure
A Picture of the Issues
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 Martha Bean is nationally known for workshops. Most recently she created a workshop to help people understand assessments, and perhaps do them their own. This workshop also helps prepare people for mediation or collaboration by assisting them in analyzing and understand points of conflict and congruency. Participants in the workshop say:
'Great trainer.'
'Really appreciated the card format for training - one of the best tools I've encountered.'
'My critique is that this should have been an all day workshop!'
'Excellent workshop.'
You can view a presentation about the workshop here:
Assessment Workshop (PPT) |
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New Facilities for Moving Electricity
During a period of expansion and healthy revenues, a public utility designed and sited a new transmission line into a mountain valley. People in the valley met the plans for the line with hostility. Surprised that the community wasn't pleased about the upgrade to their electrical service, the utility commissioned a strategic assessment to learn the how and why of the issues, and map out their next steps. Martha Bean was helped the community and the utility determine the best course of action.
Presentation (PPT)
Setting the Course for a Responsive Local Economy
For decades, the people of a rural community harvested and milled the cedar and Douglas fir that surrounded their town. When economic and environmental changes altered the viability of the lumber industry, the town commissioned a strategic assessment to help map a course for future economic direction. People in the town, economic experts, and community leaders all contributed to a vision for what the local economy could become. Thoughtful and vigorous debate, based on the strategic assessment, helped the community decide on a course of action that has been put in place today. Martha Bean worked with community members to chart their future.
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