We recently were hired by a long-time client to conduct internal research about employee perceptions on a variety of topics.
We used virtual Listening Sessions via Zoom combined with a real-time online survey to hear from 19 different leadership and staff groups. And the findings have been remarkable.
First, we were pleased (and a bit surprised) by how much candor participants displayed.
The sessions were set up in such a manner only ExcellenceK12 staff knew who was participating. Our methodology allowed for both group dynamics and anonymous comments.
We learned about long-standing issues the client was not even aware of. We uncovered schisms among divergent groups and friction across multiple locations. It has been eye-opening – as people dropped their defenses when the listener was a neutral party.
Second, we were blown away by the amount of disinformation being bandied about. Poor communication or a lack of communication is rampant. And this is a client with a large, respected Communications Department and has spent a lot of time and money managing communications and relationships.
Finally, the eagerness with which people have participated has been amazing. It’s clear most employees have only been waiting for a sympathetic ear for their frustrations.
And it’s not just staff. Administrators of all types have weighed in. We’ve learned even leadership would like words of encouragement and the occasional pat on the back. In fact, people not feeling valued – at all levels – was one of the key findings.
We’re looking forward to working with this client to help address all the issues. And since employees now know and trust ExcellenceK12, we can be a real asset to the process.
Contact us for more information on Listening Sessions.
