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Train Your Leaders

360 Survey Process

Used properly, feedback from surveys can be an invaluable development tool for leaders, for managers, for subordinates, and for the entire organization. PDP can help your organization throughout the entire survey process, including survey design, survey implementation, compilation and feedback of results, and action planning resulting from the collected survey data.

When surveys are used for individuals within the organization, it is frequently in the form of a 360⁰ survey process. As a circle is 360 degrees, a 360⁰ survey process is a “full circle” of feedback – meaning that the participant completes a self-survey, and their supervisor, their peers, and their subordinates also complete a survey. Other respondent groups (such as internal/external customers, mentors, etc.) may also be included. The survey responses are aggregated, and a summary report is shared with the participant.

The 360⁰ survey report that is prepared for the participant is, in essence, a report card on how their day-to-day behaviors are perceived by others. Done properly, this can be a very insightful development experience, and can provide the participant feedback on both their strengths and their areas for development. 360⁰ survey data can also be aggregated to provide feedback to entire departments or work units.
The 360⁰ survey process is a multi-step process, and generally involves the following steps:

  • Setting the stage – communicating the 360⁰ protocol to the organization, explaining the reasons behind the survey, ensuring the anonymity of results, discussing how the data will be used, determining who will see the individual 360⁰ survey reports, and the outlining of next steps (such as development planning initiatives, etc.)
  • Determining the 360⁰ survey instrument – ensuring that the survey items are aligned with company values and key competencies, making sure the items are appropriate for the participants being surveyed, etc.
  • Developing a timeline and implementation strategy
  • Determining the survey protocol – most 360⁰ surveys are done on-line to ease the data gathering and data compilation requirements
  • Compiling the 360⁰ data (both for individual participants, and the aggregate data for the overall organization to review)
  • Sharing the results with participants, including highlighting strengths and development needs, and helping the participant identify appropriate development activities

Follow-up with participants to ensure their development plan has been implemented, and an evaluation of their progress in key areas (perhaps involving the administration of a second 360⁰ survey at 9-18 month increments)

Click for more information on how PDP can assist you with your 360⁰ survey process.