Michael Henderson Corporate Anthropologist outlines why most employee engagement surveys are question biased rather than listening biased

Deep Listening - Impact beyond words - Oscar Trimboli

There is a huge amount of money being invested in engagement surveys. Are these surveys effective? Is there a way to make them more effective? My guest today shares lessons learned from other cultures that could improve the entire communication and listening process.

Today, I am speaking to corporate anthropologist Michael Henderson as we explore the jungles of Africa, South America and the boardroom. Michael brings a perspective of listening to cultures. He shares the role of engagement surveys and how they are question biased rather than listening biased. He also shares lessons learned from the Pygmy people and the three key elements for building a powerful culture.

Today’s Topics:

• Why employee engagement surveys are question biased.
• Applying skillsets from anthropology into the business world.
• How the Pygmy people compare culture to a fire.
• The role of culture inside businesses and being a beacon in the dark.
• The importance of having three elements throughout cultures.
• Understanding what is actually meant not what is just said.
• Patterns and listening to context within corporations and listening to adjectives.
• Being conscious and listening deeply when people are speaking.

Links and Resources:

Michael Henderson Website

Corporate Anthropology: Michael Henderson at TEDxAuckland

Quotes:

“Engagement surveys end up being question biased rather than listening optimised. ” Michael Henderson

“The world’s best engagement survey would be designed by the employees themselves.” Michael Henderson

“I still ask what is your culture doing to light the way and be a beacon in the dark that attracts others to it?” Michael Henderson

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