What is a key characteristic of sensing sessions?

The key characteristic of sensing sessions being that they typically follow a protocol with an outlined set of questions is significant for several reasons. This structured approach ensures that the sessions are focused, allowing participants to provide relevant feedback on predetermined topics related to the organizational climate. By adhering to a protocol, facilitators can guide the conversation effectively, ensuring that all necessary areas are covered and that discussions remain productive. This structure also helps in gathering consistent data across different sessions, making it easier to analyze and compare results.

The other options hint at elements that may not be universally true for sensing sessions. For instance, allowing participants to choose any topic could lead to discussions that diverge from the intended focus, making it harder to gather valuable insights. Requiring mandatory participation may not always be practical or welcomed, as it can affect the openness and honesty of the feedback. Holding sessions only once annually might not provide enough opportunities for input to track changes in climate effectively, as many organizations benefit from more frequent check-ins to stay attuned to the prevailing culture and concerns.