Is an external monitor necessary?

Although reflexive monitoring work is very similar to ‘regular' transition work, many project or programme managers use an external monitor who has experience with monitoring and evaluation of transitions. The advantage of using an external monitor is that he or she can bring a fresh perspective and may therefore be in a better position to see established thought patterns that could constitute a barrier to system innovation. A third advantage is that the external monitor and the programme or project leader have clearly distinct responsibilities.