How to Get Accurate Employee Surveys

<p>When I was at Disney, cast member surveys brought to my attention some perceived me as playing favorites. It was like a gut punch to get the information.</p> <p>But you know what? They were right. When I reflected on the feedback, I realized I did</p> <p>Immediately, I change my behavior. I sat next to different people. I sought out different opinions. </p> <p>Over the next couple of years, my scores improved. </p> <p>The key to employee surveys is to change your behavior to change the ratings. </p> <p>Don't get defensive. If you do, employees will never tell you anything again. </p> <p>The purpose of feedback is for you to get better. </p> <p>Employees and customers know everything you need to know to get better. </p> <p>As a leader, your job is to give your team the resources and support to take care of the customer. It is not about you. It is about your team. </p> <p>If you want more accurate employee surveys, follow these guidelines. </p> <p><strong>Don't ask for feedback unless you want the truth. </strong>If you just want employees to tell you that you are doing a great job, you are doing it for the wrong reason. </p> <p><strong>Keep it anonymous. </strong>Employees are more willing to tell the truth if their name is not attached to what they say. Otherwise, they fear retaliation. </p> <p><strong>Do not try to figure out who said what. </strong>Resist the temptation to get to the bottom of it when someone says something negative about you. Take it as an opportunity to get better. </p> <p><strong>Take action on the feedback you get. </strong>The most effective way to get accurate survey results is to actually take action on the feedback you get from employees. Once they trust you, they will open up more. </p>