The feedback fix: A leadership playbook for scaling listening in hybrid teams

The feedback fix: A leadership playbook for scaling listening in hybrid teams 
Forbes; by Eric Johnson; 2/28/25 
When I stepped into the CEO role at SurveyMonkey, I quickly learned that modern leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about listening. At a time when workplace trends like quiet quitting and “resenteeism” reveal the undercurrents of employee disengagement, leaders must ask: Are we doing enough to listen to our teams? ... Here’s how we turned listening into action, using a simple but powerful framework called "strategy circles."

• Strategic Clarity Starts With Feedback:  As leaders, we often underestimate the ripple effects of change. ... The feedback was clear that the team wanted conversations about our strategy.
• Strategy Circles: A Framework For Listening And Alignment: Unlike instruction, a conversation is a two-way exchange of ideas aimed at mutual understanding. ...
• Building Connection And Clarity Across The Organization: What made our strategy circles successful was that they weren’t just about strategy—they were about connection. By randomly assigning groups, we ensured diversity of perspectives. ...
• Looking Ahead: The Evolution Of Strategy Circles: Based on employee feedback, we’re embedding strategy circles into the rhythm of our year. ...