The Art and Science of Surveys

The Art and Science of Surveys
a Professional Development Workshop
from Jerry L. Talley, PhD, JLTalley & Associates 
presented in collaboration by the ATD Sacramento and ATD Golden Gate Chapters

THREE Workshop Sessions: June 2, 16, 30 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
TWO Office Hour Periods: June 9, 23 (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

Consider This:

When was the last time you used a survey? Did you get the data you needed? Did it lead to the changes you wanted? Surveys are one of the most commonly used – and most commonly misused – tools for securing input from training participants, employees, teams, and customers. 

Most survey efforts stumble because there is too much emphasis on collecting data and too little understanding of how to make decisions with the data. The most critical issue is not “What do you want to ask?”, but rather “What decisions do you hope to make with the data?”. The design of the survey and the analysis of the data must be oriented around the decisions to be made.

For the training professional, surveys can be a powerful way to:

• enhance the quality of your training as well as a way to:
• bridge from training to more expansive consulting engagements.

For the organizational development consultant, surveys can be a way to:

• unravel complex challenges as well as a way to:
• engage staff in needed changes. 

Key Premise:

Too often the typical survey effort only produces an avalanche of data, but little in the way of focus or clarity. The real value of the data is in identifying links between questions, not just focusing on the lowest mean scores. That is the key to generating better decisions and prompting meaningful change rather than producing lots of charts. 

Through this workshop, you will begin to:

1. Understand when to use a survey... and when NOT to
2. Define the key outcome measure that will drive the design of the survey and anchor the analysis of the data
3. Deploy the right type or structure of survey to meet the decision needs
4. Extract the essential message from the respondents rather than just wade through mountains of data
5. Learn to use a structured Excel spreadsheet that does 80% of your data analysis automatically
6. Structure the data feedback so it prompts taking action rather than just a request for more charts and analysis.

Capabilities Addressed:

1. Evaluating Impact
2. Data Analytics
3. Performance Improvement

Schedule:

3 workshop sessions + 2 office hour periods

June 2 – Session 1 – 4pm to 6pm

June 9 – Office Hours – 4pm to 5:30pm (optional)

June 16 – Session 2 – 4pm to 6pm

June 23 – Office Hours – 4pm to 5:30pm (optional)

June 30– Session 3 – 4pm to 6pm

Technology Requirements:
This session will be conducted through Zoom. Log-in instructions will be sent prior to the event. 

About the Speaker:

Jerry L. Talley, PhD - JLTalley & Associates
Jerry has deployed about 300 employee surveys as part of overall improvement efforts with 400+ organizational development engagements. He learned his survey craft first as a Professor on Stanford's Sociology faculty for 15 years; then he refined it over 40 years helping companies makes changes using survey data.

He has worked with organizations in almost every sector of the economy. He has developed multiple survey formats that allow for more targeted and effective surveys. He continues his consulting practice under JLTalley & Associates and enjoys mentoring others in the field.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations made more than five (5) calendar days prior to the event will receive a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to five (5) calendar days prior to the event will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than three (3) calendar days prior to the event and no-shows will not be refunded or credited. Any unpaid balance due will remain according to the above guidelines. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method.