Methodology

SYMLOG is a values-based assessment.

How well do you know your values?

I have one important piece of advice I want to share. So important, that it’s the only piece of advice I’m going to share today. And that is this: Whatever you do, lead with your values. - Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.

Public trainings, In-house training and Individual training

Consultant training

Access to most SYMLOG-based products requires training to understand the fundamentals of the theory on which the feedback reports are based, the structure of the reports, and ways to facilitate the greatest learning and outcomes from the feedback discussions.

Certification is the first step in making available to practitioners a suite of products to help develop leaders, teams, and organizations.

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Why use the SYMLOG method?

Using SYMLOG gives the practitioner the ability to use the same instrument to:

Assess current problems and desired future outcomes, whether for individuals, teams, or an organization’s culture
Assess both the inferred values and observed behavior
Define common problems throughout the organization and integrate solutions using the same language for individual, team, and organization development
Track progress toward development goals by using repeated measures

These features are unique to the SYMLOG system.

It puts into the hands of organization development consultants, and human resource practitioners, a powerful tool for systematic data collection, analysis, and feedback.

The SYMLOG system brings together key elements of numerous behavioral theories into one concise instrument. The method provides a comprehensive way to analyze and improve social interaction systems on the individual, group, or organizational level.

A System for the Multiple Level Observation of Groups

Click below to hear an explanation of the meaning of the SYMLOG acronym from the author and founder of the system, Robert F. Bales, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus (1916-2004), Harvard University. The interview was done in 1996.

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What are the strengths of SYMLOG?

The key to SYMLOG’s success is the reliability and accuracy of the feedback reports.

SYMLOG is a professional set of tools for serious applications by and for practitioners and clients who want to learn, develop, improve, be effective, and thrive in difficult times.

Its power

The power comes from a very compact data collection and feedback system that incorporates almost sixty years of continuous Harvard-based research and refinement into every application.

Ease of use

It is easy to use because the streamlined data entry and in-depth analysis produce straightforward (plain language) reports.

Uncanny ability to guide areas needing improvement in leadership, teamwork, and organizational culture development

It is uncanny because of the universality of the Individual and Organizational Values which are measured and which tend to (actually do) unify or polarize any set of people interacting with each other.

What are the benefits of SYMLOG?

The key to SYMLOG’s success is the reliability and accuracy of the feedback reports.

The greatest benefits?

The SYMLOG process enables individuals, teams, and organizations to:

Assess their current capabilities
Define their future development goals
Measure progress against those goals periodically, thereby greatly increasing the probability that when individuals or groups try to improve, their efforts will be successful

What is the SYMLOG Process?

Observation and Data Collection

The SYMLOG method is appropriate for development at multiple levels throughout an organization. It can be used for individual development (e.g., leadership training), for teambuilding (e.g., the team and leader together), and/or the organizational culture within which the team works and the leader interacts. Depending on the level in focus, individuals, groups, or members of organizations make a set of SYMLOG ratings based on their experience. These ratings may involve perceptions of other people (e.g., teammates, individual managers) or the team itself, and/or the values shown in the culture of the organization. They may also rate important concepts (e.g., Ideal values) that guide effective leadership, teamwork, and organizational performance. In any case, data is collected and prepared for processing.

Data Processing and Preparation of Feedback Reports

Highly sophisticated software is used to process the data and produce customized “Bales Reports”. The reports are written by Robert F. Bales, Professor Emeritus Harvard University, based on his research and continuing research conducted by SYMLOG Consulting Group.

Bales received several national professional awards for his distinguished contributions to the understanding of effective leadership, teamwork, and superior organizational performance. His work adds considerable credibility to the reports.

Personalized Confidential Feedback

Extensive personalized reports are produced for feedback sessions facilitated by Certified SYMLOG Consultants. Depending on the extent of the improvement program, it is possible to receive feedback simultaneously on an individual’s perception of others, others’ perceptions of an individual, the dynamics and norms of groups, and the components of the organizational culture. This is often referred to as “360” feedback.

Learning and Changing through Interaction

Through discussion of the survey results (facilitated by the Certified SYMLOG Consultant), participants develop mutual understanding of the way they perceive themselves, others, and their organization. They learn what alterations are necessary in order to become more effective. They build commitment to needed strategic changes. They formulate personal, group, and organizational development plans to reach desired goals. They also determine when to repeat the measures in order to guide and sustain the development process.

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