Instant feedback after departmental meetings!

At Microsoft, including apparently in the law department, “after every departmental meeting our employees use an online tool to react to what they heard and tell their departments’ leaders how we’re doing.” This communication-enhancer is described by the general counsel of Microsoft, Brad Smith, in InsideCounsel, May 2008 at 8. Since large groups cow many people from speaking out, an online tool lets even the shyest person contribute.

It reminds me of the software that instantly and anonymously compiles responses from people in a room who have keypads (See my posts of April 18, 2005: voting software and its many uses; and March 12, 2006: easy-to-use meeting tool.). Microsoft’s software carries further the idea of a town-hall meeting (See my post of April 17, 2007: town hall meetings.).