What is the purpose of 360 evaluations?- Individual development
- Executive development
- Career development
- Coaching
- Training
- Succession planning
- Team building
- Performance appraisal
The bottom line is talent development. The purpose of collecting data from 360 degree feedback is to identify employees’ strengths and weaknesses in order to develop their skills and competencies.
360 evaluations
help companies discover which employees are struggling, and which are already top performers. Companies can then develop an action plan based on the results. Struggling employees will need more coaching and training. The development of top performers should also be a priority for any organization.
In the end, both the employees and the company benefit from properly conducted 360 evaluations.
So, what types of companies would most likely benefit from 360 feedback?
Although 360 programs are scalable in terms of company size, the truth is that they’re not best-suited to a mom-and-pop business that only employs around three people. A company with more than five to seven employees will benefit from 360 feedback, which also accommodates the needs of businesses of all kinds. 360 programs are equally suitable for small businesses and large corporations.
What can HR consultants do to ensure that 360 degree feedback is implemented correctly?
Critical Success Factors for proper implementation of a 360 program include:
- Development planning and follow-up. The evaluation should not be performed on its own. Instead, consultants must also perform development planning and follow-up activities.
- Management buy-in. Make sure that the manager of the person being evaluated understands and supports the process.
You should also:
- Start at the top.
360 degree evaluations
work even better if the process starts with senior management and cascades down. By going first, executives serve as role models.
- Make the use of 360 surveys an ongoing practice.
Sustainable change requires continuous feedback. Studies show that the more often the 360 process is performed, the greater the improvement in scores.
Finally, you will need to:
- Choose the participants carefully and manage the feedback process closely;
- Train all involved in advance;
- Ensure that managers meet with the feedback recipient to discuss the results;
- Ensure that the results are used for feedback and development, not decisions about compensation and promotion.
Why is 360 feedback superior to other forms of evaluations?
360 feedback eliminates the bias inherent in single-source evaluation methods. Feedback from multiple sources gives a more complete picture of the employee at work and helps employees understand their impact on the people in their work circle. Since the feedback is anonymous, the process also encourages honesty.
We regularly run webinars for HR consultants showing Grapevine Evaluations Software and explaining the benefits of 360 degree evaluations. Please sign up for the webinar for consultants to get more specific questions answered, such as:
- How can I offer custom 360 feedback solutions to multiple clients?
- What functions of the evaluation tool can help me be more efficient with 360 evaluations?
- What kind of data does Grapevine Evaluations software allow me to work with?
- How can the tool help me appear more professional to my clients?
- How can 360 degree evaluations improve my compensation?
BONUS: There is a special treat at the end for those of you who watch the webinar. Grapevine Evaluations will be revealing an offer specially tailored for consultants that is guaranteed to lift some financial pressure off your shoulders!