UNC School of Government asks Winston-Salem council to pilot anonymous 360 survey

Cole Jensen of the UNC School of Government told the Winston-Salem City Council the School is piloting a 360-degree evaluation tool and asked members to complete a brief, anonymous survey during the workshop or return it later to the city clerk.

"Participation is completely voluntary…Please don't write your names on there," Jensen said, describing the survey as four items that will take about 10–15 minutes and noting the School has institutional review board approval and will report results only in aggregate.

Becca Fisher Gabbard, also with the School of Government, said Winston-Salem is one of the pilot municipalities and encouraged council members to flag confusing or redundant questions so the tool can be refined. The presenters said the pilot will eventually expand to additional North Carolina counties and municipalities, focusing on places with populations above 5,000.

Council members asked about the scope and logistics. One member asked how many localities are involved; Jensen said the pilot is in early phases (Knightdale and a few others) and will expand to many counties and municipalities. The presenters offered a 1–2 page action-oriented findings summary for the council and said the School plans to use aggregated survey data to develop training booklets and a one-day intensive course for boards and staff.

The council agreed to collect surveys and return them to the city clerk for transmission to the School of Government. The presenters thanked the council for participating and invited follow-up comments by email or margin notes on the instrument.

The pilot presentation lasted under five minutes; the council decided to complete or return the surveys later because of the workshop agenda.