Shanu Singh Guliani

Have You Ever Had Your Employees Rate You—the Boss?
January 25, 2008

I finally signed up with a personal trainer to help lose some weight in hopes of lowering my cholesterol. While sitting with my personal trainer, I couldn’t help but compliment him and some of the other trainers. Not only was he creating a workout for me, but it was one that I liked—exercises that I’m comfortable doing. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and understood my needs. I had never been so excited to workout.

After talking with Garrett for awhile I found out he was a Supervisor and in-charge of hiring all of the personal trainers. We began to chat about our jobs and our staff. We shared the type of ethic and morals we want our employees to embody and how we, ourselves, exude them. Garrett and I shared information and one subject in particular that peaked my interest…employee evaluations/surveys about their bosses. Out of nowhere Garrett asked me, “Have you ever had your employees rate you?” My first thought (in my head of course and not out loud), how weird—why would I have them rate me? I’m their boss—and I damn well know how to run my own business.

After he asked me the question, which at first, I found so silly—he went on to say how important it is for them to feel a part of a team—and when he doesn’t know how his employees feel about him and the workplace he can’t begin to address their strengths and weaknesses. He felt if they were comfortable and happy with him and their work environment—training and helping them grow would be much easier. So, of course I asked him:

1. What type of questions do you ask them? All questions have a yes or no box to check plus 4 lines to explain any other pertinent information.
   1. Have you had sufficient work place orientation and/or training to perform your job?
   2. Would you rate the morale of the team as satisfactory?
   3. Do you believe that all employees are treated fairly by all managers and supervisors in the work place?
   4. Are work place responsibilities and tasks clearly defined and organized?
   5. Are you recognized for a job well done by your managers?
   6. Does your immediate supervisor clearly communicate expectations of your work performance and the desired results?
   7. Would you agree that the work place, as it is today, is a safe and pleasant work place?
2. Do they answer anonymously?
   1. Of course, I even have them type up the answers so that they don’t feel there will be any adverse action taken for their honest answers.

Have you ever had your employees rate you—the boss? How do you feel about this type of survey? Would you try something like this?

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on January 25, 2008 | Comments (0)