Do You Have A ‘Best Friend’ At Work’?

I sometimes flash the Gallup (and others) engagement questions as a prompt in workshop activities. One question that always raises a few eyebrows (and rolls a few eyes) is, “Do you have a best friend at work?’ While I get the vibe they’re trying to tap into in terms of workplace culture, is that really the best indicator and really the best question? This article suggests an alternative that I quite like: Do you have many strong working relationships at your job? You don’t have to donate them a kidney or go to their barbeque but positive and constructive connectivity is crucial. Even then, they don’t all have to be positive in the sense of friendliness – an argument can be positive.

This article offers alternatives:

BI Worldwide Rodd Wagner’s (new) key questions

1. Do managers support each employee as a unique individual?
2. Is pay fair, if not generous?
3. Are leaders transparent?
4. Is there a clear mission and do employees feel a strong connection to it?
5. What paths do people have to advancement?
6. Do more junior people sometimes get to take charge?
7. Are employees well recognised?
8. Is this a cool place to work?
9. Do people feel energised or fearful?
10. How well do colleagues work together?
11. How often do people feel a sense of accomplishment?

A good friend will donate you a kidney. A great friend will donate you a kidney… that isn’t their own…