“360-degree feedback is an evaluation method that incorporates feedback from the worker, their peers, superiors, subordinates, and customers. Results of these confidential surveys are tabulated and shared with the individual, usually by a manager. Interpretation of the results, trends and themes are discussed as part of the feedback. The primary reason to use this ‘full circle’ of confidential reviews is to provide an individual with information about their performance from multiple perspectives. From the feedback, an individual is able to set goals for self-development which will advance their career and benefit the organisation. With 360-degree feedback, an individual is central to the evaluation process and the ultimate goal is to improve individual performance within the organisation. 360-degree feedback should be used as assessment for personal development rather than evaluation.” (Tornow, W., 1998)
“An estimate of 90% of all Fortune 500 companies utilise 360 degree feedback.” (Kenneth M. Nowack, Ph.D.)
How can 360 degree feedback be utilised to benefit staff?
There are a wide range of benefits that can be realised as a result of a 360 degree feedback programme:
| Organisational Benefits | Individual Benefits |
| Allows organisations to identify and make the most of under utilised personal competences. | Allows individuals to gather feedback to develop and make the most of their personal strengths. |
| Helps to avoid the trap of counting on skills that may be weak within the organisation. | Individuals get a broader perspective of how they are perceived by individuals they interact with. |
| Makes succession planning more accurate. | Individuals have an increased awareness of and relevance of their own competencies. |
| Helps to identify key development areas for the individual, a department and the organisation as a whole. | Helps to identify key development areas for the individual. |
| Enables more efficient coaching and training initiatives to be designed in response to personal development needs. | Is a more reliable performance feedback mechanism for senior managers and helps leaders to recognise that they too have development needs. |
| Encourages more open feedback and a continuous improvement culture. | Provides permission to give accurate feedback, and gives people a more rounded view of performance than they had previously. |
| Offers a means of reinforcing the desired competencies of the business. | Focuses the development agenda with line managers encouraged to discuss development issues with staff. |
We have expert knowledge, understanding and implementation experience of a range of third party online survey tools and can make recommendations on the most effective tools based on your needs. There are a number of free to use tools available that could meet your needs effectively, decreasing the overall cost of implementing 360 degree feedback within your organisation.
How can we help to implement effective 360 degree feedback?
We have a long history of working with organisations to implement 360 degree feedback programmes, we understand the client environment and the issues you face and our team of Organisational Development professionals can help you make sure your needs are satisfied. We can help by providing any combination of the following services:
- Create 360 degree feedback surveys.
- Engage managers with the 360 degree feedback process and it’s benefits.
- Deploy the 360 degree feedback survey and manage responses.
- Collate responses and facilitate feedback sessions with individuals and their managers.
- Coach individuals to provide good feedback.
- Coach individuals on an ongoing basis following 360 degree feedback.
- Within the NHS we take into account the NHS competency frameworks (e.g. the KSF, LQF, World Class Commissioning, National Occupational Standards etc).
- All of the above as a complete managed service offering!
What are the benefits of online tools for supporting a 360 degree feedback programme?
The key benefits of using an online tool for rolling out 360 degree feedback programmes are as follows:
- Better response rates (online surveys get better responses than paper based surveys).
- Reduced time and cost of collating organisational information.
- There is no hardware or software installation required.
Click here for more information on our one day workshop “How to Implement 360 Degree Appraisal Effectively”.
For more information on our 360 degree feedback services and tools then please contact us.