Reading Blog 4: Google not only listening to their employees but giving them freedom

As we read the groundswell we learn that a companies success is not found only by tapping into the minds ands like of its consumers but also in the thoughts and actions of its employees. It only makes sense that it is crucial that employees feel as if they are being heard and more importantly that they can makes changes. The people who understand best how your business runs best are your employees and it is because of this there questions and concerns should not be only heard but they should also be addressed. This also builds a sense of community in which trust is key allowing for a productive environment. Google and its comfortable creative environment allow for this productivity.

As we can see in this video is all about listening to its employees by collecting data from them in the form of surveys, interviews, and even psychological profiling them in order to figure out what it is they need in order to work as productively possible. 

The biggest challenge for companies however is how its employees regulate there communication so that this type of productivity and success happen. As highlighted in the book some companies like Best Buy have blogs in which they allow employees to fully express themselves in regards to issues that may be taking place. Although a blog may be a nice idea in some cases google has taken it to a whole other level with its creation of Google Moderator. This application, created during the 20% of almost free time that engineers have to dedicate to any projects that may interest them, allows the management of feedback from large numbers of employees. Through it they may vote for the top questions they think should be posed and ask their own. It aims to make sure that every question has been considered, lets spectators see others' questions, as well as helping the moderator of an event or team address the questions its audience cares most about. By empowering their employees through freedom of expression they have created a service that facilitates two way communication between staff in management, rather than a ranting blog or overflowing email. 

How to use Moderator 

It is communication like this that is efficient, quick, and understandable which in the long one keep employees happy not just because they are being heard but because there idea and strategies are actually being taken seriously and are being implemented.