In my defence, I had not been intending to conduct a survey at all, but just making my way into BBC Broadcasting House.

BBC: It's a love 'n hate thing for the new gang of two

So Trusler decided to conduct a plumbing survey of sorts, mapping latrine and downpipe locations around the city.

MSN: Much doo-doo about nothing? Pompeii had upstairs toilets

Early on, Clinton tapped Gore to conduct a comprehensive survey of the entire federal government, with an eye toward eliminating waste and cutting costs.

CNN: Vital Stats

Six out of ten private employers check the credit histories of at least some of their job applicants, and 13 percent conduct them on all candidates, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management.

FORBES: Has Your Credit Report Cost You A Job?

"The important change is that very well-educated and upper-income people compared to five to 10 years ago have shifted their opinion and are now expressing significant concern about the notion of...free trade, " said Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster who helps conduct the Journal survey.

WSJ: Americans Sour on Trade

Rather than trying to improve all dimensions at once, I encourage companies to focus only on one or two critical items with each survey cycle (another reason to ideally conduct them once or twice a year).

FORBES: Employee Survey Success: The 3 A's of Employee Satisfaction Surveys