5 Reasons Live 360° Stakeholder Feedback is Worth the Investment

In a 360° feedback assessment (also known as multi-rater feedback), data about the subject's behavior is gathered internally and externally from subordinates, colleagues, supervisors, and sometimes from customers and vendors as well. A 360° feedback assessment is so named because it solicits feedback about an employee from a variety of points of view. Organizations often use these assessments for developmental purposes; to assist employees in developing work skills and cultivating positive behaviors.

How is a Live 360° different from an online assessment?

The standard online 360° assessment is an economical tool in a coaching engagement and provides a good overview of an employee’s behavior, but for those transitioning into the highest levels of leadership, stakes are higher and a more comprehensive assessment process is appropriate.

In Live 360° Stakeholder Feedback, up to 12 stakeholders participate in 30-minute interviews designed to gather targeted data about the employee’s strengths and opportunities for development. Here are five reasons why the process is extraordinarily helpful for top tier talent and transitioning high-potential leaders:

1.      Questions are customized and focus specifically on competencies relevant to the participant’s development

Unlike online 360° assessments, where the questions are standardized for all participants, a Live 360° Feedback Review incorporates questions targeted to each individual. Interview questions are co-created by the participant being rated and his/her coach, focusing on exactly what the participant and the organization need to know to guide and enhance further development.

Typical Live 360° Stakeholder Feedback interview questions might include:

• What are the strengths of this person as you see them?
• What are the most significant challenges and/or opportunities facing the leader today? 
• What opportunities do you see for improvement?
• What are the leader’s most important “to dos” in the next few months?
• How do they help you now? How can they help you better going forward?  

2.      Data gathered is richer in breadth, depth and detail than standard 360°

Questions can be provided to raters in advance of the interview meeting, encouraging time for reflection on the employee’s performance. Because all rater comments are reported in a way that ensures confidentiality, raters are comfortable giving candid feedback. A typical Live 360° interview session lasts for 30 minutes or more, allowing raters ample time to answer questions thoughtfully and in great detail. Additionally, interviewers have the opportunity to pose follow-up questions to probe deeper into a line of inquiry.

3.      Opportunity for rater contributors to give personalized recommendations

Raters are not limited to answering only the questions asked by interviewers, but can offer advice and observations beyond the prescribed questions, often sparking new insights for participants.

4.      Raters become partners in the development process, creating buy-in and support for the leader

A Live 360° interview process creates a heightened level of support within the organization for a leader’s development. Through direct involvement in the interview process, members of the employee’s organization become more invested in the outcome of the leader’s success than through the use of a standard online 360° assessment.

5.      Executive report with feedback summarized by theme and supported with actual interview excerpts

After all interview data has been collected and analyzed, the participant receives a detailed report with feedback organized into clear themes designed to guide development. Each section is further grounded by verbatim rater comments.

When the future of the organization rides on the success of a leader, it’s important to have a clear view of how that leader is performing. At Weatherhead Coaching, we specialize in designing and executing meaningful Live 360° Feedback experiences for our clients. Message me to learn more or click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.