Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

1. Introduction

GrowthOD ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Story-Seeds of Leadership (SSL) assessment and other services available through our websites, including growthod.org and associated domains.

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you participate in our SSL assessment or other services, we may collect the following personal information:

• Contact Information: Email address (required for assessment completion and to send results)
• Demographic Information: Age (for eligibility verification)
• Consent Records: Your consent to participate in our assessments

2.2 Assessment Responses

We collect your written responses to assessment questions, including but not limited to:

• Values and beliefs
• Leadership experiences and challenges
• Vision and goals
• Personal practices and relationships
• Legacy and purpose reflections

2.3 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you use our services:

• Browser type and version
• Device information
• IP address
• Date and time of access
• Pages visited and features used

2.4 Cookies and Local Storage

We use browser local storage to:

• Save your progress during multi-part assessments
• Transfer data between assessment parts (e.g., from SSL Part I to Part II)
• Improve user experience by remembering your session

You can clear this data through your browser settings at any time.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Assessment Delivery: To provide you with your SSL assessment results and insights
• Communication: To send you your assessment results and follow-up information via email
• Service Improvement: To analyze aggregated, de-identified data to improve our assessment tools and methodologies
• Research: To conduct academic research on leadership development and organizational storytelling (only with aggregated, anonymized data)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Security: To protect our services, users, and prevent fraud or abuse

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our services:

• Form Processing: Formspree (for assessment data collection)
• Email Services: For sending assessment results and communications
• Web Hosting: For website infrastructure and data storage

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.3 Academic Research

We may use aggregated, anonymized assessment data for academic research and publication. Individual responses are never shared in an identifiable form.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal processes, such as:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Government or regulatory requests
• Protection of our legal rights or safety

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure data transmission (HTTPS/SSL encryption)
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Secure data storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specifically:

• Assessment Data: Retained indefinitely for research purposes (in aggregated, de-identified form) or until you request deletion
• Email Addresses: Retained until you request removal from our communications
• Technical Data: Typically retained for 12-24 months for security and analytical purposes

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Correction

You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us at the email address below.

7.2 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information. We will comply with such requests unless we are required to retain the information by law or for legitimate business purposes.

7.3 Opt-Out

You may opt out of receiving promotional communications from us by:

• Following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails
• Contacting us directly at the email address below

7.4 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your assessment data in a portable format.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We require all participants to confirm they are 18 years or older before completing assessments. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

10. Third-Party Links

Our services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information to them.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

13. Additional Rights for EU/UK Residents

If you are located in the European Union or United Kingdom, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request confirmation of whether we process your personal data and obtain a copy
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate personal data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances
• Right to Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior processing)
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

14. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about the personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

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