Leadership Development Using 360° Feedback

Challenge

An organization wanted to implement a customized 360° survey process to improve individual and company performance by translating performance standards into observable behaviors that aligned with its vision.

Solution

O.E. Strategies created a web-based 360° survey for the organization, customized by job families. Feedback is gathered from multiple reference points, including the participating employee, his or her peers, direct reports, and manager, to ensure a comprehensive view of the employee’s performance. Using the company’s core values and vision, O.E. Strategies developed the survey to assess performance and core competencies at multiple levels, including an emphasis on continuous learning, coaching and development, working and communicating with others, and planning for the future. In addition, O.E. Strategies created a Developmental Resources Guide to provide suggestions for development based on survey results.

Outcomes

The implementation of the 360° survey encouraged listening to opinions from multiple perspectives within the organization and set the tone for good communication. The survey allows the company to track its overall strengths and weaknesses over time and highlights poorly performing areas for developmental opportunities. Through repeated use of the 360° survey process, the company has seen improved leadership skills. Leadership strengths have been linked to organizational surveys and turnover, indicating that better leaders have less employee turnover and increased employee job satisfaction.