360 degree feedback (also known as multi-source or multi rater feedback assessment) is a way for individuals to understand their personal strengths and weaknesses, using the constructive feedback of others who work with them the most.
360 Feedback questionnaires measure subjective workplace behaviors and competencies. They provide information on how others perceive a coworker, direct report, or manager. The focus of a 360 evaluation should be on subjective areas such as teamwork, character, communication, and leadership effectiveness.
Feedback from 360 reviews builds trust. “Because the 360 ratings are typically anonymous, people are often more candid than they would be if they were providing the feedback face-to-face,” Thompson noted. “As a result, you can get a very clear sense of how others really perceive you.”
Positive feedback is associated with better performance and higher productivity. Sadly, 360-degree feedback often focuses excessively on the negative, with employees typically ignoring their strengths. This usually comes from a place of good intention—employees want to address their weaknesses.
However, 360 reviews can be very quick – read on to learn more. Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, co-founders of the leadership development training firm Zenger Folkman believe that the 360 degree assessment should be no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
Keep the survey short and direct While it's always tempting to ask dozens upon dozens of questions about every topic you can think of, doing so is guaranteed to cause “survey fatigue.” To increase survey participation and engagement, make sure your 360-review takes no longer than ten minutes to complete.
A 360-degree assessment is a method that systematically collects feedback about an individual's performance from peers, direct reports, colleagues, and superiors within the organization. Overall, it provides a comprehensive, 360-degree view of a leader's strengths and opportunities for growth.
Positive feedback is associated with better performance and higher productivity. Sadly, 360-degree feedback often focuses excessively on the negative, with employees typically ignoring their strengths. This usually comes from a place of good intention—employees want to address their weaknesses.
No. The point is that 360 degree performance reviews do not guarantee good input data. Just because a 360 degree review collects more data points from a diverse set of stakeholders—colleagues, managers, and direct reports—doesn't make them more reliable. More data does not mean better data.