When all the post-its are on the board. Circle, with a marker, each group of post-its. Explain that you put them accordingly to the “accountability elements”. Show 5 large cards where you have written the 5 accountability elements (leadership, transparency, feedback, participation, DME). Ask participants on what circle each card should be placed. As you discuss the placement, you want to stress interesting points relating to the elements made on the post-its. Place the cards on the flipchart. Task 3: presentation of the framework [10’] Show the PowerPoint “accountability elements”. As you present it, Recall important captured in the post-its; highlight gaps and prompt participants to identify missing points for each element; and emphasize interconnection between the elements. For example, ask participants why the concept of accountability would not be complete without a given element. Task 4: An accountable organization… [10’] As a way to sum up the discussion, ask participants: So, what does an accountable organization do? (suggest to participants to look at the elements and at their post-its when replying). Write answers on a flipchart titled “An accountable organization will…”. Answers should include: …try to ensure that people have no real cause for complaints … listen to affected people (in particular the most vulnerable) …solicit and welcome feedback in a respectful way …take appropriate action based on this feedback …be able to explain its actions (based on the fact that “the action was appropriate, in accord with peoples’ needs, as assessed”)
Now say to participants: Good enough is less then “perfect”. But it is not “bad”. And as you say this, place the corresponding cards on the flipchart or draw them in. Ask: What is bad practice? What is perfect practice? Write examples from participants on the flipchart Now ask participants: so, what is good enough? Does it mean “second best”? Lead the discussion to make the following points: “Being ‘good enough’ means choosing a simple solution rather than an elaborate one” [GEG page 5] “‘Good enough’ does not mean second best: it means acknowledging that, in an emergency response, adopting a quick and simple approach to impact measurement and accountability may be the only practical possibility.” [GEG page 5] “When the situation changes, you should aim to review your chosen solution and amend your approach accordingly.” [GEG page 5] What is good enough on the first day of an emergency will not be good enough at a time when you are supposed to have deeper knowledge of a context! You can use the following Voltaire quote ““The perfect is the enemy of the good”. It reminds us that “perfection” is an ideal thing. Achieving a “perfect thing” becomes infinitely more difficult as you near it. There will always be more things to consider, or details to fix. At some point you must simply say -- "Good enough!". “Good enough is not a justification for shoddy work, or for laziness! The point to know when any additional improvement will not justify the resources, efforts, time that will need to be invested to achieve it (and actually will mean that time, resources, effort are lost for more vital stuff).
Session 1.6: Hands on the Good Enough Guide! 30 Minutes (12.00 – 12.30) Objectives of the session: To explain the Good Enough Guide came from and what it contains Materials: PowerPoint “the Good Enough Guide” / copies of the Good Enough Guide Content Task 1: PowerPoint presentation “The Good Enough Guide” Show the PowerPoint presentation “The Good Enough Guide”. As you mention each part of the contents ask participants to look for it in the book and call out the page. They can mark the sections with post-its if it makes it easier to navigate the Guide. Ask for comments on the Guide. What are your reactions to the guide? Emphasise that the Guide is not prescriptive, but designed to offer simple tools to field workers to help them become more accountable in their projects. They do not have to use the Guide. Remind participants that the can be found online, in over 12 languages. Also tell them that on the ECB site () they can download many posters, leaflets, and films in six languages to communicate the key messages of accountability with different audiences. Show slide highlighting other accountability initiatives. Emphasize link to the Sphere Project. Start GEG video with time remaining to give them a taste if time allows. This video is something they should share with their staff and partner staff and ask them to watch and discuss. Lunch (12.30-1.30)