The power of 360-degree feedback: The secret behind better performance
By 2DAYSMOODIES | 16/11/2023
Imagine an employee who always works on projects with full commitment, but wonders how his colleagues and teammates actually perceive the contribution made. Or a manager wondering how she can better support and guide her team. To answer these kinds of questions, one-dimensional feedback is often not enough. Therefore, 360-degree feedback is a powerful tool to improve employee performance and ensure transparency in feedback.
What is 360-degree feedback?
360-degree feedback is all about gathering input and insights from various sources within an organization. This means that not only the immediate supervisor provides feedback, but also colleagues, subordinates and sometimes even external stakeholders. The goal of this method is to get as complete a picture as possible of an employee’s performance and behavior. Giving one-dimensional feedback is often not enough, which is why there is 360-degree feedback.
360-degree feedback survey
A crucial part of 360-degree feedback is having the right survey. If you ask the right questions, you will gain more insight into performance. A good survey includes specific questions about the employee’s performance. These questions can range from behavioral characteristics to skills and competencies. Using a well-designed survey provides a structured basis for collecting valuable feedback.
A 360-degree feedback form is the tool used to complete the survey. By sending this out with a convenient online tool, you ensure that the feedback is collected in a structured and orderly manner so that it can later be analyzed and used appropriately.
360-degree feedback example
To get a good idea of what 360-degree feedback can look like, see an example below. Imagine an employee being assessed on collaboration, communication skills and leadership. The questions could then be specific, such as:
- On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate working with this employee?
- What specific situation comes to mind in which this employee communicated effectively?
- How would you rate this employee’s leadership potential?
Why is employee feedback so important?
Employee feedback is a crucial tool in the pursuit of a productive and healthy work environment. The reasons below give a good idea of why it is so important.
1. Improved self-awareness
360-degree feedback allows employees to get a more objective view of themselves. It allows them to identify strengths and work on weaknesses, ultimately leading to professional growth.
2. 360-degree feedback promotes open communication
Collecting feedback from various sources promotes open communication in the organization. Employees feel encouraged to voice their opinions and contribute to a positive work environment.
3. Increased motivation and engagement
Employees who feel heard and see that their input is valuable are generally more motivated and engaged in their work.
4. Identification of development opportunities
Through 360-degree feedback, employees can identify specific development opportunities. This allows them to take targeted steps to improve their skills and competencies.
How do you use 360-degree feedback?
Using 360-degree feedback effectively requires a thoughtful and focused approach. Of course, you want your actions to have an effect. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Set clear goals
Determine what you want to accomplish with the feedback. Do you want to improve employee performance, develop leadership skills, or perhaps enhance collaboration? Clear goals help gather relevant feedback.
2. Guarantee confidentiality and anonymity
It is important that employees feel free to provide honest feedback. Confidentiality and anonymity is essential in this regard. They must be able to trust that the feedback they give cannot be traced back to the person giving it. That’s because then you have a higher chance of “socially accepted” responses, and you don’t get the honesty you really want.
2DAYSMOOD’s tool offers you an anonymous, easy and online tool in which to collect feedback. Employees get a questionnaire and fill it out, and you get a handy overview with answers that can be analyzed quickly and easily. Anonymity guaranteed!
3. Targeted follow-up
Use the collected feedback as the basis for a targeted follow-up. Nothing is more frustrating for employees than giving feedback that is not acted upon. Discuss what you have collected (anonymously, of course) and determine follow-up actions together. Where do you want to go, and how can you use the feedback to get there? Of course, this is also strongly tied to the goals you have set.
4. Implement targeted development plans
Use the feedback collected as the basis for a targeted development plan. Offer support, training or coaching to encourage employee development. Make sure these plans are specific and aligned with the employee’s needs and goals.
Getting started with 360 degree feedback
360-degree feedback is a powerful tool to promote performance and development in your organization. With the help of a handy tool and a well-thought-out plan, this method can make a valuable contribution to a healthy work environment.