The debate continues. Should 360 feedback include numbers, graphs and text responses?
Current discussions online seem to indicate that numeric and graphic elements in 360-degree feedback reports are going out of fashion. Text-based feedback is in vogue. This may simply be that many 360 feedback systems didn’t provide much focus on text until relatively recently. However, the value in numeric and graphic information representation remains high.
To me, it’s always seemed blindingly obvious that removing any one of those three elements is simply going to reduce the capacity of the report to improve awareness for some recipients.
Last week I had the experience of viewing a 360-degree feedback report which was purely and simply a compilation of descriptive words and comments posted by reviewers. I was left thinking, ‘so what?’ It’s very difficult to draw sensible conclusions from e dispersed and diverse group of comments. The value of numeric data is that it provides an underlying structure.
I see the roles of numbers and text in 360-degree feedback as being different, but complimentary. The number provide a framwork – a sort of scaffolding of awareness. Once this is in place, rich text-based feedback can really deliver depth of understanding of a candidate’s performance. But without the scaffolding, comments and descriptive words alone can be plain confusing – rather like trying to navigate cross country without a map or any road signs. With these tools, it’s a straightforward process. Without them, you’ll get there in the end but the journey is likely to be a log rambling route.
It’s well-known that we all have a favoured mode of learning. For some it’s graphic, for others, numeric, and then there are those who absorb information most easily through the written word. What is the sense in removing one or more of these elements?
Feedback from our clients confirms that the most effective reports have a good balance of all data types. By balance, I don’t necessarily mean that there should be an equal proportion of each. To be most effective, a 360 feedback solution should take into account the organisation in which it will be delivered. What sort of people tend to work there? Are they technical or artistic, highly numerate, or extremely articulate?
360 feedback for a publishing company, arts foundation, or media provider? Ensure there is a high degree of text based feedback to enable people to express themselves in freeform.
Creating a system for software developers, engineers, or actuaries? Taking out all the numeric elements will make the report appear less valid and cause some recipients to question the source more than they would if they were assimilating graphs and tables.
As with so many things, ensuring the solution is the best fit for the organisation is the first step in making sure they get the best out of the inventment of time and effort in 360-degree feedback.
Article by Vandy Massey
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I agree Vandy, the rationale for excluding either text or numbers is thin. For me numbers provides context and clarity. How do you replace them, by saying “most people feel you are a good communicator” for example, is this 55% or 95%?
Assuming that you know the precise audience, and their preferred means of assimilating information. There are still some things that need the precision of numerical data. This could be tabular or graphical according to preference, of course. As you say, without numbers the benefit of the ‘completely all around, in every direction’ feedback is diminished.