EvenMORE For You

Are Surveys Hiding More Than They Reveal?

And the Survey Says….

Who cares, really? Surveys do carry gravitas—I get it. The social animal in us wants to know what the herd thinks. But honestly, the gap between a statistic and genuine truth is like the distance between Mt. Everest’s peak and the Mariana Trench.

For example: Almost 80% of people say they're comfortable talking to their leaders, yet over 70% admit they won't tell the truth about how they think and feel at work. At first glance, this data seems obvious, but is it?

Let’s explore this further—Ok, so if any one of us are considered a leader who is not being told the truth most of the time—then we are likely running around making decisions and assumptions on faulty information. On the other hand, as employees, there is no way in the world I want to risk telling leaders the full truth - they might view me as an unwanted critic, complainer or think I am a dissenter, instead of hey, I’m here and just want to make things better. 

This is a Catch-22 here: Leaders make critical decisions based on distorted information because employees don't feel safe telling the truth. Meanwhile, employees won't speak up for fear their honesty might be viewed as dissent. It feels like no one can win. 

I thought, what if I try to break these assumptions, not just as someone with a title - but human-to-human. So I approached each member of my team individually, asked for their help, that I truly wanted to be better for myself and for them. I invited honest feedback on how they viewed my leadership and communication styles. I asked them what worked for them, what didn’t, and how I could improve. I didn’t just ask questions, I really wanted to know - I showed care and curiosity in my inquisition. 

I also knew that once wouldn’t be enough. I had to plant a seed to get them thinking about how they wanted their leader to show up, and work to open channels of comfort.

Over several months, I discovered things I'd never get from a survey:

• My enthusiasm, while creating excitement, could also dominate conversations, unintentionally silencing others.
• Under pressure, I unintentionally brought up stories from my past that inadvertently intimidated the team.
• Yet, my team loved direct honesty when it felt empathic - especially when I led with genuine curiosity and questions. This was when my team felt genuinely included, inspired, and self-motivated.

But something unexpected happened in this process. Our team felt safe sharing more openly, we all felt deeper trust and an increased commitment to each other and there was noticeable improvement in communication and productivity.  Most importantly, I found a way I can help make work a better place.

Surveys are just a snapshot, mostly of attitudes and bias - they’re not a real reflection of truth -but we can use them for what they are - data. Change can happen when we challenge assumptions by engaging directly and openly and by exploring assumptions within ourselves. Then, genuinely seeking to connect with others.

Next time you see the phrase “research shows,” remember there’s an ocean of nuance beneath that statistical iceberg.

Ron Dukes’ Self Defense Tips

Stay Safe in Transit and On the Job

End-of-life clinical staff are all too familiar with scary conditions they might encounter after hours. Parking and entering a home or care facility at night to care for a patient can feel dangerous. 

That’s because after dark abandoned parking lots can have shadows and limited visibility. Residential areas with streetlights that have fallen into disrepair and unlit properties can also be very frightening. 

Night or day anywhere can feel like an opportunistic crime scene with the absence of bystanders.

If you missed Self Defense Coach, Taekwondo Grand Master and Fitness Trainer Ron Dukes’ Webinar last September, here are some self-defense reminders for staying safe and reducing the anxiety and fear you might experience when alone in situations that feel uncomfortable.

Arriving to Care for Patients Safely

Keep Location Service On
Cell phones have a location feature you can turn on and share with your supervisor and family members, so they know where you are at all times. Ron recommends that you turn this feature on.

Carry a Small Flashlight
Most cell phones have flashlights which work well but Ron also suggests carrying a small flashlight so you can find your way safely without drawing too much attention like you might with a large flashlight.

Use Online Maps
Use cell phone online maps to confirm the most direct and safe route to your patients before you start driving.

Total Awareness: No Music or Talking 

Turn off your music and refrain from cell phone conversations to boost your situational awareness and readiness to act if necessary, when alone.

Carry Your Keys in Your Hand
So you don’t have to search for them, carry your car keys in your hand. Place your keys between your fingers like a weapon.

My Kitty Self Defense Keychain
Better yet, consider a My Kitty keychain with stiff strong plastic pointed cat ears that serve as ridged knuckles. This simple device is a favorite of and highly recommended by Ron.

According to Ron, building one’s confidence for handling potentially dangerous encounters with situational awareness while avoiding threatening environments is the best way to be prepared for any possible threats to personal safety that arise while you’re in transit and on-the-job delivering end-of-life care to Crossroads patients.

Keep Your Site in the Spotlight

You give so much love and attention to your patients, families and communities and we want to make sure everyone sees your amazing efforts. When we post photos to our social media platforms of your Gift of a Day adventures, Veteran recognition ceremonies, volunteering events, special gatherings and holiday celebrations, they get noticed.

To ensure your site doesn’t miss out on being in the spotlight, please send your photos to photos@crossroadshospice.com. Be sure to include your site’s name and a caption to accompany the photo on social media. Please ensure that you have received consent to publish the photos per Crossroads policy.

A Whopping Number of Reactions!

A recent Gift of a Day post on March 12, 2025 received a whopping 150 reactions, 4 comments and 3 shares. This was the post: For Alma, basketball isn’t just a game—it’s a passion she’s carried for a lifetime. With two sons who played the sport, she’s been a dedicated fan for years, watching the Cleveland Cavaliers since the days of Mark Price. Now, she plans her days around game time, gathering with family to cheer on her favorite team. To Alma, the players aren’t just athletes—they’re wonderful people who bring joy to her life.