Falk Research Blog

Exploring the people, perspectives, and conversations that shape better business decisions, from consumer insights to organizational effectiveness.

Current series

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard.

Turning conversations into insights. Insights into action. A seven-part series.

Read Part 1

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 1 of 7November 9, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

The Art of Listening: Why Better Business Decisions Begin with Better Conversations

We invest in meetings, reports, and surveys — but how much attention do we give to listening? After more than 30 years of moderating conversations, Thor Falk reflects on why some of the most valuable insights emerge when people feel genuinely heard.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 2 of 7November 10, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

The Cost of Silence: What Your Employees Aren't Telling You

Just because nobody is complaining doesn't mean everything is fine. Thor Falk explores why employees stay silent, what that silence costs organizations, and how to create opportunities for people to be genuinely heard.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 3 of 7November 11, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

One Organization, Different Realities: Bridging the Gap Between Employees and Leadership

Ask an executive, a manager, and a frontline employee to describe the same workplace, and you might hear three very different stories. Thor Falk explores why every perspective matters — and why alignment begins with understanding what each person sees.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 4 of 7November 12, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

What's Getting in the Way of Great Work? Finding the Obstacles Leaders Don't See

Sometimes the biggest obstacles to organizational performance hide in plain sight. Thor Falk explores the workarounds that make problems invisible — and the simple question that surfaces what's really getting in the way.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 5 of 7November 13, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

The Customer's Voice: Discovering What Satisfaction Scores Can't Tell You

Your customers are telling you something — the question is whether you're hearing the whole story. Thor Falk on why satisfaction scores describe what happened, while conversations reveal why it matters.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 6 of 7November 14, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

From Participation to Ownership: Why Collaborative Solutions Work

There's a difference between asking employees to participate and inviting them to own the solution. Thor Falk on moving from top-down decisions to collaborative solutions that actually stick.

The Art of Listening. The Power of Being Heard. — Part 7 of 7November 15, 2026Organizational Listening · Leadership · Communication

From Listening to Action: Turning Employee and Customer Insights into Better Business

Listening alone doesn't change an organization. In the series conclusion, Thor Falk on turning employee and customer insights into decisions, action, and follow-through people can trust.

Previous series

Plastic Straw Bans: The Consumer Perspective

A 4-part consumer research series on support, business impact, alternatives, and what arguments resonate.

Start the series

Plastic Straw Bans — Part 1 of 4May 22, 2019Consumer Research · Environment · Public Policy

Plastic Straw Bans, the Consumer Perspective

We conducted a nationwide online survey of 417 consumers to learn how they feel about plastic straw bans — and the results reveal meaningful differences across generations, income levels, and education.

Plastic Straw Bans — Part 2 of 4May 28, 2019Consumer Research · Environment · Business Impact

Plastic Straw Bans, the Consumer Perspective: Business Impact

Major brands from Starbucks to Royal Caribbean have moved away from plastic straws. We asked 417 consumers how they would react to a business that stops offering them — and the findings should reassure decision-makers.

Plastic Straw Bans — Part 3 of 4June 4, 2019Consumer Research · Environment · Consumer Behavior

Plastic Straw Bans, Consumer Perspective Part 3: Alternatives

If plastic straws go away, what will consumers use instead? We offered six alternatives and found that paper straws lead the pack — but the generational breakdown tells a more nuanced story.

Plastic Straw Bans — Part 4 of 4June 10, 2019Consumer Research · Environment · Public Policy

Plastic Straw Bans, the Consumer Perspective Part 4: Reasons

Which arguments in favor of plastic straw bans resonate most with consumers? We tested seven real-world arguments and found that ocean trash and birds are the most compelling — with implications for how businesses and policymakers should frame the conversation.

Thor also writes and publishes on his other sites:

Co-Active Coaching

Gathering Focus Blog

Qualitative Consulting

The Moderator