Surveys – A tale of two lands

by adowling on April 21, 2011

There once were two surveys, both of equal importance; one was administered Globally and the other to the small remote nation of Localville. This is the story of both surveys and the people.

The global survey was a big hit, all the people could see change coming. They were honest and forthcoming with suggestion to make the world better. Hopes were high that the worldly leaders would read the peoples suggestions and concerns and would bring forth a new period of communication between tribes. Months go by and the people wonder ‘where is our change’. Alas, after completing the survey the people never heard word of their suggestions or feedback.  The survey, to this day, collects dust somewhere in the archives of the worlds capital building.

The survey given to the Localville residents was not as welcomed. They moaned and groaned, grumbled to each other until the sun retreated. Their responses to the survey dripped with resentment and bitterness, they turned on each other in an attempt to make  simple points. The few in the town that saw the purpose of the survey were honest and provided some suggestions to help the town prosper. The leaders of the town were not surprised by the infighting or even by those that provided honest feedback. The towns leaders took the survey back to the people and shared the infighting and negative responses. The leaders opened the floor to the people and gave them the opportunity to make changes, form committees to write the laws for the land and committees to bring forth change.

Globally the world is tired, broken, and sad.  But there’s small light coming from the town of Localville where the land is prospering and the people are the laughing with each other.

Ok, silly story to make a simple point. Share the results and act on the suggestions. Even if employees grumble about the survey, they are likely to provide you with good feedback about the department.  Administering a survey and sweeping the results under the rug will only prove to the population that management likely doesn’t care.

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Don’t be an ostrich

by adowling on March 29, 2011

I’m an introvert with the best of them, shocking I know but anyone that really knows me knows that I’m most comfortable in small settings with people in my circle. Get in my large crowds and I tend to cling to someone or sit on a bench.

That said, being a leader of any kind in any organization means you have to talk to people you don’t know.  You have to stand in front of a crowd of people, with all eyes on you, waiting patiently for you to not stutter while telling them what they need to know.

You must communicate verbally with your team and employees even if it’s the last thing on earth you want to do.  Burying your head in the sand and hiding in an office only leads to an unruly, anarchist  office. That’s not productive or healthy.

So here’s my advice to introverted leaders that are terrified of talking to people. Suck it up. That’s right: Suck. It. Up. You have something that needs to be communicated, practice what you want to say and then go say it.  If you get questions you don’t know the answer to, tell the person you don’t know but you’ll get back with them. (And actually get back with them)

This all seems like common sense to some, I know, but for part of our population communicating verbally is just terrifying. Terrifying like the way you dream about being in front of the class talking about your book report and realize your butt naked and that hot guy/girl is laughing hysterically.  But this isn’t a dream, and your not in school.  If you want your team to function properly you must talk to them. Simple as that.

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Safe at home

March 27, 2011

I love the idea of this weeks HR Carnival and I just cant pass it up.  Safe at home can mean so many things to so many people and each one is different. Here’s whats on my mind when I think about Safe At Home.
When I originally read the idea I thought about the office, [...]

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Happy St Birthday Day

March 17, 2011

Today we celebrate…something, drink green beer, and pinch people that dont wear green. Fountains and rivers run green, and men in kilts parade downtown.
But today is also my little blogs second birthday.  The last two years have been just an amazing experience.  I’ve met some wonderful people, made some new friends that get me into [...]

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Workplace harassment – Not in my office

March 7, 2011

I’m reading a fiction book that touches lightly on harassment in the workplace.  I can’t get away from HR issues even in my favorite escape.  It has me thinking though, how often does harassment happen in the workplace?
I’m not referring to sexual harassment, but other forms of harassment such as physical threats, actual physical harm, [...]

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