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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Great point! As a consultant who regularly collects a lot of employee input (via surveys, interviews, other data), I can’t tell you the number of times that managers have been reluctant to tell their employees what they’ve heard (especially if it makes management look bad). My point is always that it’s important to give that feedback – it lets employees know management heard them, for a start. Then, if management involves them in addressing the issues raised – all the better.