Organizations seeking to implement a 360 feedback process still encounter resistance to the use of this powerful tool. Resistance can come from a variety of sources and is often associated with myths and half-truths. As I wrote in the article, Exposing the Truth About 360 Degree Feedback, poor implementation of 360 feedback can cause misinformation and distrust in the 360 feedback process.
360 Feedback Norms - Distraction or Helpful Context?
It is natural to want to know how you compare with others, especially when receiving feedback on your leadership skills. 360 degree feedback is about individual self-awareness, change and development. As such, one could argue that when an individual is provided with comparison information it provides an opportunity to focus on how they compare to others versus their own strengths and opportunities for improvement. Consider a leader who receives feedback that puts them “above average” relative to those in their comparison group. Their relative ranking as compared to others may cause them to be less motivated to continuously improve their skills as they do not see a need for change. So, should we avoid the use of normative information in 360 degree feedback?
The individual feedback report you just received from your 360 feedback process is a healthy dose of leadership advice awaiting action. As I wrote in my previous article, 7 Tips for Getting the Most out of Your 360 Degree Feedback Process, the results that you achieve are directly related to the actions you take in response to your feedback. Be aware - digging into such a treasure trove of data can sometimes result in a bit of anxiety– particularly when the feedback is at odds or large discrepancies exist amongst different reviewer groups. 360 feedback has been designed to provide a complete picture of performance, multiple perspectives are sought during the 360 feedback process. With so many varying opinions, you are likely to receive some inconsistent feedback. So, how do you pull all of this divergent feedback together into something useful?
Continuous, Open Performance Feedback is Becoming the Norm
Gone are the days of the top-down, annual performance review. Organizations continue to open the performance feedback and evaluation process to invite participation from employees at all levels in the organization. This is now becoming the new normal and it offers a variety of benefits to employees and leaders. At the same time, it makes skills in providing helpful performance feedback a requirement for the entire talent pool…not just managers. Without these skills, the quality of the feedback will be limited and employees won’t get the feedback they need to develop and enhance their performance.
viaPeople's 360 Degree Feedback Solution Makes It Easy to Identify Strengths and Development Needs
One of the benefits of the 360 degree feedback process, whether used to support development or as a part of the formal performance evaluation, is the opportunity for individuals to gain new insight into their key strengths and opportunities for improvement.
viaPeople's Rating Calibration Feature Instantly Compares Performance Across Teams
HR software should not only make things easier but also help you to improve your processes. viaPeople's team of Industrial Organizational Psychologists have designed the Performance Rating Calibration feature to ensure consistency and fairness in the evaluation of critical performance factors. Here is how it works:
Build a Better Performance Review
Integrating feedback from multiple raters (i.e., peers, direct reports, customers) in the performance appraisal process is becoming an increasingly popular practice. Direct reports (e.g., upward feedback) and peers provide provide valuable and unique viewpoints and perspectives on performance that may not otherwise be observed by managers. Feedback from multiple raters offers managers the opportunity to build a complete picture of performance.
Improve Your Leadership Skills Through 360 Degree Feedback
Research has consistently shown that the receipt of 360 degree feedback results in positive behavior change. As a leader receiving 360 feedback, the results that you achieve are going to be directly related to the actions you take in response to your feedback results. Follow the 7 steps outlined below to realize the benefits of the process and achieve your career goals.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. owns, manages and franchises some of the most well-known brands in the hotel industry. With over 1,000 properties and approximately 145,000 associates, Starwood is one of the world's largest hotel companies and one of the most respected in the industry.