SC Signals: Real-Time Insights Driving Lasting Change

Culture change and organizational transformations are never linear. So leaders who are attuned to shifting dynamics have an edge: they can quickly recognize what’s working and course-correct where things veer off track – and that’s a game-changer. 

In one professional services firm client, Smarter Collaboration Signals is helping them measure changes in collaborative behaviors and turn data into action.

The insights and results so far? 

• Quick visibility into areas where partners are increasing collaboration on high-value client work – providing a “proof of concept” to start convincing the skeptics

  
  

• Data on the impact of leadership communications – evidence that the tone from the top is driving change, which gives leaders confidence to double-down on their efforts

  
  

• Early awareness of blind spots – leaders saw where collaboration was falling short (in this case, one specific practice group, plus a pocket of lateral partners) and made necessary adjustments

SC Signals is a monthly collaboration-focused pulse survey (say, for partners or employees) that takes less than a minute to complete but delivers powerful insights to leaders via a clear, action-oriented report. It:

• Tracks real behavioral change and shifting sentiment – revealing patterns over time, not just one-off snapshots

  
  

• Surfaces hidden barriers – uncovering collaboration gaps by team/department, tenure, and gender

  
  

• Gives leaders real-time data to act on – so they can course-correct before small issues become big problems

One firm found female leaders consistently felt more accountable for collaboration – a sign of their commitment. However, they were the same segment of the population that consistently felt more vulnerable to client poaching. SC Signals helped leaders identify these nuances, address concerns, and further enhance partner-wide collaboration.

Our question bank equips leaders to tailor SC Signals for their specific transformation (growth-focused client service, breaking down practice silos, cross-geo collaboration; adopting technology; etc.) – or we can work to create a customized survey based on rigorous research design principles.

Collaboration doesn’t improve overnight – it takes consistency, discipline, and the right feedback. SC Signals keeps firms on track, highlighting progress, spotting gaps, and reinforcing what works. It fosters ongoing conversations between leaders and the broader organization, ensuring that collaboration isn’t just an aspiration but a daily, collective effort. With real-time insights, collaboration becomes part of ongoing intentional decisions and actions.

So…are you keeping a pulse on collaboration in your firm? Let’s talk about how SC Signals can give you the insights you need to drive real change.