For many people the prospect of having 360-degree feedback is rather like asking the “Does my bum look big in this?” question. We’re all aware that others have a different perspective on us. And although we sometimes can’t resist asking, we’re slightly afraid that we won’t like the answer.
Ignoring the question doesn’t really help if the reality is that a bit of exercise, or a style rethink wouldn’t go amiss. Knowing that’s the case is quite valuable. The same rules apply for any of those other questions we know we should ask, but don’t.
Equally, for the recipient of the question, the prospect can be daunting. Many a boyfriend or husband has fallen foul of this particular question. There is an art to giving positive feedback, especially when the question is quite personal. Softening the truth to the extent that it doesn’t bear any resemblance to reality isn’t helpful at all. But at the same time, a bit of sensitivity in the way the answer is worded and delivered doesn’t go amiss.
Part of our role as providers of 360-degree feedback is to help reviewers to provide positive feedback. By this we mean honest feedback, delivered in a way that is helpful to the recipient. We do this in a number of ways. All reviewers are given access to guideline documents on how to give good feedback, and in the case of upward or same-level reviews, we’ve ensured that our software is designed to guarantee anonymity to reviewers, unless they actively identify themselves in their text-based feedback.
And part of the role of consultants and coaches, is to help people take action to change when they receive answers they may find challenging. We help consultants with this phase by providing a support desk for them should they wish to talk through any aspects of a report before a facilitation session, and by building action plans to our reports.
Unfortunately, the one thing we can’t do is provide a solution if the answer to the ‘Does my bum look big in this?’ question is not the one you want to hear.
Photo credit: kjavo
Article by Vandy Massey
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Vandy, I feel you may have touched a on a good point here. It is not just the recipient that can get apprehensive at the thought of a 360. It is also the giver. This is, of course to miss the point, both can learn from it. Perhaps we could enhance this to a 540 (720?), where the recipient of the 360 gives feedback to the reviewers on how they gave feedback. Just imagine a virtuous spiral where we all give and receive continuous, and constructive, help and advice. Yes, I know Thomas More had a name for that;) Something to aspire to though.