Survey Questions: Communication
Definition: Communication is the foundation of effective collaboration and leadership, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and professionalism while fostering an open and attentive environment where feedback and information are shared seamlessly. It involves concise and timely exchanges across all levels of an organization, where leaders articulate goals, colleagues engage in meaningful discussions, and internal communications provide essential updates. Through persuasive delivery, communication strengthens relationships, minimizes misunderstandings, and drives organizational success promoting shared knowledge and mutual understanding.
Audience AwarenessAudience Awareness focuses on tailoring communication based on the recipientâs needs, preferences, and level of understanding to maximize impact. This dimension highlights adjusting language, style, and medium of communication, ensuring messages resonate with the intended audience, and adapting delivery methods to enhance engagement. It prioritizes adaptability and customization, ensuring communication is accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.
- Coworkers tailor the language, style, and medium of communication to meet the need of the recipient.
- My supervisor understands and adjusts presentations to the needs of the audience.
- My team leader explains complex concepts clearly, using terms/style appropriate for the audience.
- Coworkers are able to use multiple methods of communication.
- My manager understands and adjusts delivery of communications to maximize impact.
- I consider the audience in how the communication is presented.
- My team adapts language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
- Coworkers tailor client communications to the intended audience.
- The team leader understands the preferences of the intended audience.
AvailableAvailable focuses on being physically or virtually accessible, approachable, and ready to assist when needed. This dimension highlights maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring stakeholders can reach out at any time, keeping an open-door policy, and signaling a willingness to engage. It prioritizes presence and accessibility, ensuring that colleagues, managers, and teams are available when support or guidance is required.
- The manager is visible and approachable; is there when you need them.
- The supervisor is someone I can go to when I have a problem or issue.
- My supervisor is visible and approachable.
- My manager is approachable and accessible when needed.
- My supervisor is approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- Associates will mark their status as "available" to signal they are open for communication.
- The team leader keeps open and regular communication with team members.
- Our team communicates regularly with important stakeholders.
- My supervisor keeps open and regular communication with others.
- The manager keeps an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
- Coworkers frequently communicate with the operations team.
- Sales reps set their on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
- My manager is available to me when I have questions or need help
AttentiveAttentive focuses on actively listening with care, patience, and an open mind to fully understand the perspectives and concerns of others. This dimension highlights listening without interruption, asking follow-up questions, demonstrating thoughtfulness, and ensuring conversations are meaningful and valued. It prioritizes engagement and understanding, ensuring that individuals feel heard and their input is carefully considered.
- My supervisor listens actively & speaks clearly and directly.
- At our company, people listen to others' points of view with an open mind
- I feel the manager accurately attends to/understands ideas which are exchanged.
- The team leader listens attentively and without interrupting to team members and customers
- People in my department listen carefully.
- HR Managers will listen to both side in employer/employee disputes
- The manager takes the time to listen to you
- Coworkers will ask follow-up questions as needed.
- Co-Workers are willing to listen to my ideas
- Senior leaders listen attentively and responds thoughtfully, showing they value the conversation.
- My Supervisor attentively listens to me
- My Supervisor listens to me
OpenOpen emphasizes encouraging honest dialogue, welcoming feedback, and fostering transparent communication without barriers. This dimension centers on listening actively, accepting diverse opinions, ensuring direct engagement, and making discussions meaningful. It prioritizes receptivity and inclusiveness, ensuring people feel safe expressing their ideas and concerns.
- In our department, colleagues are effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others
- My supervisor welcomes input and suggestions from others
- Employees are willing to communicate issues and concerns
- My supervisor takes the time to makes eye contact with the person they are speaking with
- In our department, people know how to face the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication
- Managers are open to receiving feedback from others
- I actively seek feedback from colleagues and customers about my work.
- I feel my manager articulates ideas and emotions clearly to others
- Leaders and managers use face-to-face contact.
- Colleagues are generally willing to accept feedback from others
- I am able to communicate freely with any employee
- My Supervisor is willing to listen to my ideas
ResponsiveResponsive emphasizes acting quickly, acknowledging concerns, and providing timely and relevant answers to meet information needs. This dimension centers on delivering immediate responses, addressing questions directly, ensuring clear acknowledgment, and taking initiative in answering complex inquiries. It prioritizes agility and effectiveness, ensuring that communication is not just heard but acted upon promptly.
- We regularly address issues of key importance to stakeholders
- I can get the information I need to do my job
- The Benefits Department responds to questions with accurate and complete answers
- My manager is able to quickly respond with answers to questions on the spot
- My manager listens carefully and responds to new information
- People in my department are responsive and acknowledge an understanding of what the other person is saying
- I believe I am an effective listener who is responsive to information needs
- My manager courageously takes on challenging questions and provides instant answers
ClarityClarity emphasizes delivering information in a straightforward, precise, and logical manner to avoid ambiguity and confusion. This dimension centers on simplifying complex concepts, ensuring written and verbal communication is direct and well-structured, and articulating ideas in a way that is easily understood. It prioritizes transparency and effectiveness, ensuring messages are conveyed without unnecessary details or misinterpretation.
- Decisions are clear and are communicated effectively organization-wide.
- Senior leaders are able to present information in a clear and logical format
- My manager demonstrates clear verbal and written communication skills
- My manager has the technical skills to be able to clarify complex or technical information
- The reports our department generates are clear and persuasive
- The team leader communicates a clear understanding of the subject at hand
- I am comfortable clarifying problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts
- The project supervisor communicates project information accurately and clearly
- The shift lead communicates clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details
- My supervisor articulates ideas clearly and assertively
SuccinctSuccinct focuses on expressing ideas in a brief, structured, and logically organized manner to ensure clarity without unnecessary details. This dimension highlights concise reporting, straightforward instructions, and clear articulation of concepts in both formal and informal settings. It prioritizes precision and brevity, ensuring communication is direct and to the point.
- In our department, we focus communications on the relevant key issues
- Leaders in our department convey ideas confidently and succinctly
- People in our department produce written content that is both succinct and orderly
- My manager is able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting
- The supervisor delivers clear and concise instructions regarding use of the equipment
- Leadership expresses ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
- The manager provides straightforward and brief directions
- I can write reports in a concise and organized manner
- My supervisor explains issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
EffectiveEffective emphasizes ensuring that communication is well-received, understood, and fosters strong interactions across teams and stakeholders. This dimension centers on non-verbal cues, department-wide communication, ensuring transparency, and preventing disruptions in discussions. It prioritizes impact and comprehension, ensuring messages are delivered in a way that maximizes understanding and engagement.
- I take steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
- My manager communicates effectively with all levels of the organization
- My coworkers communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
- I can communicate effectively with colleagues
- My supervisor communicates well
- My team communicates effectively with others
- Meetings are usually chaired by competent and articulate individuals who can effectively communicate ideas and information
- I am comfortable communicating with colleagues and partners
- Employees in our department communicate effectively
- The team leader effectively and regularly communicates regarding issues that are critical to the team
- I know how to effectively use non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
- Communication is good between departments.
- I believe my manager is an effective communicator
- There is good communication between departments.
- There are no barriers to open and efficient communication
- Leadership at Company communicates well with employees
- I am satisfied with the information I receive from Managers on what's going on in the Company
Communicates With SuperiorsCommunicates With Superiors focuses on effectively exchanging information with leadership, maintaining transparency, and ensuring upward communication is clear and productive. This dimension highlights confidence in speaking with management, keeping supervisors informed about progress and achievements, and fostering seamless communication across organizational levels. It prioritizes clarity and relationship-building with leadership, ensuring effective collaboration between employees and management.
- I can speak freely to my supervisor on a variety of topics
- There is good communication between me and my supervisor
- My Supervisor works to improve communications in all directions
- The culture of our organization facilitates seamless communication across all management levels
- I report progress on goals to the supervisor
- I feel confident in communicating across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders
- I am comfortable communicating with department leadership
- I can confidently interact with all tiers of the organization
- People in my department generally engage in clear communication with both senior and junior management
- I try to keep the supervisor informed about achievements and milestones
- I have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization
- I know how to communicates effectively with management, both upward and downward
- Leadership at Company communicates freely with employees.
- I am satisfied with my manager's communication and interpersonal skills.
- My Supervisor keeps me informed about important issues
Coaches OthersCoaches Others emphasizes guiding, mentoring, and helping colleagues improve their communication skills through constructive feedback and structured training. This dimension centers on coaching team members, providing feedback on communication styles, mentoring employees in written and verbal communication, and delivering impactful training sessions. It prioritizes development and skill enhancement, ensuring that employees grow in their ability to communicate effectively.
- The HR Department conducts impactful training sessions
- I feel my manager is able to coach others and provide feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
- Branch managers coach others on their written communication skills
- Managers communicate to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals
- Managers show employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization
- I feel comfortable giving feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach
- Supervisors mentor others on enhancing their written communication
- HR delivers influential training
- I feel ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques
Confirms CommunicationConfirms Communication focuses on verifying understanding, reinforcing key messages, and ensuring alignment on tasks, expectations, and decisions. This dimension highlights follow-up actions, summarizing discussions, clarifying questions, and preventing misunderstandings in conversations. It prioritizes precision and confirmation, ensuring that all parties leave discussions with a clear and shared understanding.
- The supervisor verifies understanding throughout discussions
- The project manager reviews any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
- When in Q&A, our manager summarizes or paraphrases the current question to confirm understanding
- The team leader recaps action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution
- My manager provides follow-up information and seeks to avoid misunderstandings
Internal CommunicationsInternal Communications focuses on the effective dissemination of company-wide information, ensuring employees stay informed about business direction, successes, and organizational updates. This dimension highlights newsletters, emails, leadership communication, and transparency in discussions affecting employees. It prioritizes clarity and organization-wide engagement, ensuring that teams receive relevant updates and understand company priorities.
- The internal communication I receive through road shows, e-mails and newsletters about the direction and successes of the business is effective
- I regularly read the Company newsletter and other publications
- My Supervisor has excellent communication skills
- Managers communicate frequently and honestly about issues affecting employees
- Senior management communicates well with the rest of the organization
Communicates Goals/VisionCommunicates Goals/Vision focuses on clearly conveying organizational objectives, aligning team members with company direction, and ensuring employees understand strategic priorities. This dimension highlights articulating business objectives, making corporate initiatives actionable, and ensuring that employees grasp how their roles contribute to broader company success. It prioritizes clarity and alignment, ensuring that teams operate with a shared understanding of goals.
- CompanyName does a good job communicating business objectives.
- I feel well informed about company goals and strategic directions.
- Managers communicate a clear sense of direction for my organization.
- Goals, objectives, and strategies are clearly communicated.
- Our manager communicates Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees in the department
- Our senior leaders establish a clear direction for the company.
- The company directors give staff a clear picture of the direction in which the Company is headed
- I can see the link between my work and the Company's objectives
- I can clearly explain the business objectives of my local function or business unit to others
SharingSharing emphasizes the free exchange of information, ideas, and updates to maintain transparency and collaboration across teams. This dimension centers on keeping employees informed, distributing key reports, sharing knowledge, and facilitating a culture of openness. It prioritizes accessibility and information flow, ensuring that teams are equipped with the necessary insights to work effectively.
- Information and knowledge are freely shared at the Company
- My Supervisor does a good job sharing information with me
- My manager does a good job of sharing information.
- Employees at the Company regularly share and exchange ideas
- The company does an excellent job communicating changes or decisions that affect employees.
- Co-workers share information and new ideas throughout the company
- Managers keep me informed and up-to-date
- Financial and quality performance reports are shared with employees.
ProfessionalismProfessionalism focuses on maintaining respectful, composed, and courteous communication in all interactions, regardless of the situation. This dimension highlights using polite language, avoiding inappropriate or demeaning behavior, ensuring a formal tone, and fostering an environment of mutual respect. It prioritizes ethics and decorum, ensuring that conversations remain constructive and considerate.
- My supervisor maintains self-control in conversations
- People in our department maintain a formal and respectful tone, avoiding use of slang or overly casual language
- My manager is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
- Everyone in our department maintains good contact with others when speaking
- My manager is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates
- Colleagues use polite language and shows respect for others' opinions and time
TimelyTimely focuses on ensuring information is communicated promptly and at the right moment to keep teams informed and aligned. This dimension highlights respecting deadlines, delivering updates at an appropriate frequency, ensuring employees are aware of important changes, and maintaining consistent communication. It prioritizes responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring that key updates reach the right people at the right time.
- I usually know in plenty of time when important things happen.
- The team leader communicates changes to team members in a timely manner
- Managers respond in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules
- Company communications keep me up-to-date.
- Communications about changes are sent to team members in a timely manner
- The team lead communicates company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner
- Senior Management at Company communicates at an appropriate frequency with employees.
- Leadership at the Company communicates frequently with employees
Expertise/CompetenceExpertise/Competence emphasizes demonstrating technical skill, precision, and confidence in delivering informationâespecially in complex or challenging scenarios. This dimension centers on communicating clearly in high-pressure situations, using correct grammar and spelling, leveraging technical tools for clarity, and effectively handling sensitive discussions. It prioritizes knowledge and execution, ensuring that communication is both accurate and impactful.
- Exhibits competence by communicating calmly and confidently in difficult situations.
- My manager deals with difficult situations calmly and confidently
- People in my department are comfortable using software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports
- I am comfortable delivering difficult messages to superiors and subordinates.
- I feel supervisors deliver difficult/sensitive messages to my co-workers in an appropriate manner
- The team leader is able to deliver difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- Coworkers use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
- The department head supports communication systems recently implemented
EnergeticEnergetic emphasizes the enthusiasm, urgency, and conviction with which communication is delivered to inspire action and engagement. This dimension centers on ensuring messages are conveyed with passion, creating a sense of importance, and using an engaging tone to motivate teams. It prioritizes engagement and impact, ensuring communication captures attention and drives momentum.
- Senior leadership delivers messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction
- The supervisor delivers messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction
- My manager conveys priorities with right sense of urgency and importance
- My manager is able to deliver messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
PersuasivePersuasive emphasizes influencing others, inspiring engagement, and using communication to drive action and commitment. This dimension centers on motivating people through compelling narratives, negotiating effectively, and using persuasive techniques to guide decision-making. It prioritizes impact and influence, ensuring that audiences feel compelled to act based on strong and convincing communication.
- My Supervisor is a skilled negotiator
- My manager inspires others to take action based on his/her communications
- The team leader demonstrates persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives
- The supervisor is an effective and motivating communicator
- The project lead is able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives
- I feel that I am persuasive and articulate when communicating
- My manager uses ideas and perspectives to persuade others
PresentationsPresentations focuses on structuring, preparing, and delivering clear, persuasive, and confident verbal and visual communication to groups. This dimension highlights public speaking, the ability to engage audiences, crafting organized reports, and delivering impactful presentations with professionalism and poise. It prioritizes clarity and influence, ensuring that information is effectively conveyed to teams, leaders, or stakeholders.
- I can effectively deliver presentations
- Employees in my department present clear and persuasive information in reports
- The project head delivers well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations
- My colleagues deliver influential presentations
- My boss gives clear and convincing presentations
- I know how to deliver effective public presentations
- My manager delivers effective presentations
- Leadership here is effective in delivering presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
- Leaders here come across as comfortable and effective as a public speakers
- I feel that I am able to deliver effective presentations
Performance FeedbackPerformance Feedback emphasizes providing structured, constructive feedback to employees to foster individual and team development. This dimension centers on performance appraisals, one-on-one discussions, improvement-focused evaluations, and setting clear goals using frameworks like SMART criteria. It prioritizes growth and accountability, ensuring employees receive the guidance and insights needed to improve their work.
- I can write complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria
- I am comfortable providing feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement
- The supervisor implements performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria
- I am comfortable giving feedback to others.
- My manager conducts regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams