Capturing Employee Feedback to Build a Great Work Environment

Years ago I read Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman's book First, Break All the Rules recommended by my brother-in-law who then worked for HGTV.  He was inspired during an executive retreat where the book was the platform of their discussion.  Upon reading the book, I too inspired, brought the idea of building great workplaces to Blueprint Education’s executive team and board of directors.  What developed into an annual event every September for the past six years has built a stronger, more cohesive team within our non-profit organization.  Each year we use our employee feedback to make needed changes within our three divisions in order to build a stronger work environment.  Without our employee survey, it would be difficult to find, retain, focus and keep talented employees.  The success we have found from this feedback allows us to build specific school improvement plans (SIP).  The outline of our SIP’s look something like this:

• Goal
• Supporting Data
• Strategy/Objective
• Research Supporting Strategy/Objective
• Activities to Implement Objectives
• Person Accountable
• Timeline (start/stop)
• Needed Resources
• Needed Staff Development
• Budget
• Evidence

It is worth mentioning the SIP’s for employee feedback is in addition to our strategic long range goals and treated as a top priority.  The SIP framework was adopted from the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) on-site review process we undertake every five years.  Since we are asked to self evaluate our organization annually as part of our accreditation process, the SIP model eliminates multiple steps and fits nicely into our overall planning. 

Admittedly this has not been an easy road and will continue to take time to build a cohesive team.  However, without the feedback from our employees and a plan to get us there, we would not have the organization we have today.  What tools do you use within your company? How does your employee solicit your feedback?  Do you have a voice within or organization?  Let me hear your thoughts.