Finding out “how we’re doing” is an important part of life, on and off the job.360 degree feedback tools can be especially helpful when you want to know how you are doing in relation to your boss, your direct reports, and peers in the organization. I like 360’s because they:1. Let you see how others believe you are doing in specific areas that are important to on-the-job success2. Provide a quick look at how each of your constituencies is experiencing you.For example, your direct reports may be getting everything they need, while your peer group may tell you that they need something other than what they are getting now. So you know where to keep doing what you are doing now, and where to make some changes. That helps you prioritize things.3. Offer the opportunity for a structured conversation.When you want to talk about your performance it can be difficult to know just where to begin. The 360 process allows you to get specific feedback in specific categories. When you see the results, you can sit down and ask questions that address meaningful areas of work life. And, you are dealing with information already acknowledged as important by the different groups of respondents. It can be a lot easier discussing things that have already been generated–and therefore owned–by the people who are important to your success. You have a place to start–and isn’t that sometimes the toughest part?360: It’s the Conversation That MattersRaw data are just that. What’s important is the “why” behind “what” was said. Without finding out the answers, you really don’t have an accurate picture. Why not?Always remember that feedback is more indicative of the sender than the recipient. Feedback says, “Here’s what I think based on my expectations of you in these specific areas. The real payoff can come from discovering where you need to clarify or re-visit what’s really expected and honestly discussing what’s really possible. And, when people of goodwill have those kinds of discussions, it can lead to a quick boost in trust as well as new energy to move ahead.Are you or your organization using 360 feedback? Then make sure there are conversations that follow. Without them, no one knows the real meaning of the data. With conversations, you stand to get an exponential payoff in understanding, trust, learning, and improved performance.
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