How to Help Your Manager Succeed with Engagement Surveys

Understanding Engagement Surveys

• 💡 Engagement surveys are a tool for managers to receive feedback on team dynamics and their own performance.
• 🎯 While employees answer the questions, their role doesn't end there; they can actively help their manager succeed with the results.
• 🔑 Your own success is linked to your team's and manager's success, making it beneficial to support your manager.

Initiating the Conversation

• 💬 Managers may hesitate to discuss survey results due to fear of focusing on negatives, confidentiality concerns, or uncertainty on how to address feedback.
• 🗣️ As an employee, you can initiate a conversation by asking your manager about their survey results in a light and positive tone.
• ✅ This approach signals genuine intent to help, rather than criticize, and gives the manager permission to discuss the feedback.
• 🚀 A suggested phrasing is: "Hey, I noticed we completed the engagement survey last month. Would you be able to share some of the key themes or areas where you'd like to see improvement? I'd like to know if there's anything I can do to help the team work together better."

Focusing on Positive Aspects

• ✨ Managers, like all humans, tend to focus on negatives, even if the overall results are good.
• 🌟 Highlighting positive aspects and giving specific examples of what they do well can provide confidence and encourage continued positive behavior.
• 👏 This is known as positive validation or reinforcement, and it's valuable because it confirms that their efforts are being experienced positively by the team.
• 🎯 For instance, if a manager scores well on giving recognition, you can share your appreciation for their specific, behavioral feedback.

Addressing Areas for Improvement

• 🔍 When discussing areas for improvement, avoid asking directly about poor scores; instead, inquire about areas the manager wants to improve or which results surprised them.
• 🤔 This approach is future-focused and strategic, allowing you to align your help with your manager's priorities.
• 🤝 By focusing on their priorities first, you build trust and credibility, which can later create leverage to address areas that matter most to you.
• ⚠️ Managers may feel lonely or embarrassed about their results, making it difficult for them to seek help; your offer of support can provide a safe space for them to open up.
• 🚀 Ultimately, helping your manager improve their engagement scores is an investment in your own career success and the team's overall performance.