Building Trust Through Better Listening with Surveys I Direct Application with Matt Harrington

In this Solo Blogcast episode of Direct Application, Matt Harrington unpacks the underestimated power of surveys during strategic planning.

Too often, surveys become checkbox exercises - sent out, ignored, and forgotten. But when done right, surveys become powerful trust-building tools that surface real insights and show your stakeholders that their voices matter.

This episode dives into the leadership mindset behind meaningful surveying and gives you a checklist to ensure your survey efforts actually drive decisions and build credibility.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

- Surveys are listening tools, not PR exercises. Only ask what you're willing to act on or respond to.

- Feedback is a gift. Even when it’s hard to hear, it's essential to improvement and alignment.

- Close the loop. People will only keep sharing if they see that their voice had impact.

- Ask before you ask. Are we ready for tough truths? Are we gathering data or just checking a box?

- Build trust through transparency. Surveying the right way helps leaders show up as open, curious, and responsive. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, business, or community organization, this episode offers a practical framework for survey design that actually moves your organization forward.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts