360-Degree Feedback Basics

Definition
360-degree feedback is an assessment tool that provides employees with feedback about their performance. Supervisors, peers, and, where appropriate, customers answer questions about an individual’s skills and attributes.

The employees are often rated in areas such as leadership, communication, and productivity, and technical skills. Employees also rate themselves in these areas. All of the information is compiled into an individual report for each employee. The reports show employees’ strengths and weaknesses according to the 360 survey responses. Participants use this information to make changes in their behavior and performance.

360-degree feedback is often known by other names such as:
• Multi-source feedback
• Multi-rater assessment
• Full-circle appraisal
• Upward feedback
• Peer evaluation
• 3-dimensional Tool

Purpose
360-degree feedback allows employees to assess strengths and weakness in their workplace performance, interpersonal communication and/or management style with a focus on individual and organizational development.

Managers and executives can use the information provided by 360-degree feedback to create organizational and individual development plans. Managers and executives also gain tremendous personal benefit as they see how their leadership style and methods are perceived by those they manage. As they make adjustments to better manage their employees, the entire organization benefits from the improved productivity.

Managers and executives can use the information provided by 360-degree feedback to create organizational and individual development plans. Managers and executives also gain tremendous personal benefit as they see how their leadership style and methods are perceived by those they manage. As they make adjustments to better manage their employees, the entire organization benefits from the improvement to productivity.

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