The document provides recommendations for conducting project assessments and monitoring exercises in a non-adversarial manner. It suggests that assessments typically focus more on areas for improvement rather than appreciating good work. To make assessments less adversarial, the document recommends distinguishing facts from opinions, avoiding negative judgments, challenging opinions respectfully, considering longer-term impacts, and being open to changing one's view with new evidence.

1. Ashar Waheed
CP Leader

2.  Generally, Assessment is viewed as an
adversarial process.
 One major factor in this thinking is that any
given monitoring spends more time in discussing
areas of improvement.
 Very little time is spent in appreciating the good
work done.
 Even when some good work is appreciated, there
is not much to carry the discussion forward, once
the credit is rightfully given to the project team.
 However, once an issue of contention arises, it
tends to consume more time and gets more
attention.

3.  It is categorically established here that CPA will not be conducted
in an adversarial mode.
 While there is a lot of literature available on this topic, the
following recommendations are strongly put forward, for Local
Consultants.
 These suggestions are few and simple, but highly likely to
influence the work environment during monitoring exercises:
 Distinguish between fact and opinion;
 Avoid perceptive judgments;
 Avoid expressions with negative connotation, during discussions and
writing;
 Challenge opinions at every opportunity, but in most agreeable, wise
and non-confrontational fashion;
 Put some effort in trying to envision in longer and larger terms;
 Change the idea or mind in the face of new evidence.