The supervisor is only ONE

person out of many possessing valuable input to the performance of the

rated individual. Getting accurate feedback from all the groups of people

we work with is more valuable than just one person. This assessment gathers

information from people about an individual's performance as seen by the

standards and expectations of their boss, self, peers, direct reports,

and customers.

The development of effective

skills begins with the awareness of ineffective behaviors. A 360-degree

feedback assessment shows an individual what others think their performance

is versus what it should be. By understanding the perception of others,

people can improve.

How Does It Work?

The rated employee and his/her

boss pick a group of 8-12 individuals. These people should work with the

employee for a minimum of 90 days. The group should consist of stakeholders

to include customers, direct reports, peers and the individual's direct

supervisor. Most 360-degree assessments are completed on a secure webpage.

Input and the identity of the individual is protected. At the conclusion,

the rated employee receives a written report that includes the aggregate

scores broken down by groups. (Supervisor, self, peers, direct reports

etc.)

These 360-degree assessments

must be used with foresight and forethought. Critics say these assessments

are nothing more than popularity contests. As a management consultant,

I have conducted dozens of assessments and found the input is much more

fair and objective than other performance appraisals. In some cases, written

comments provided by the stakeholders are the most helpful part of the

process.

The 360-degree assessment points

out blind spots individuals, team members, and managers cannot see about

themselves. Depending on the maturity level of the individual, this revelation

comes as a blessing or a curse.

Assessment results should be

facilitated in a way that leads to a complete process of improvement.

Follow-up and action plans for improvement are a critical part of this

process.

For more information and a

sample 360 assessment, please visit http: www.chartcourse.com/360assessment.html

Greg Smith is a nationally

recognized speaker, author, and business performance consultant. He has

written numerous books and has been featured on television programs such

as Bloomberg News, PBS television, and in publications including Business

Week, Kiplingers, President and CEO, and the Christian Science Monitor.

He is the President and "Captain of the Ship" of a management-consulting

firm, Chart Your Course International, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Phone

him at 770-860-9464. More articles available: https://www.chartcourse.com

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