360 Feedback

Term from Management industry explained for recruiters

360 Feedback, also known as multi-source feedback, is a professional development tool where employees receive feedback about their work performance from multiple people around them - their manager, peers, direct reports, and sometimes even customers. Think of it like getting a complete view of someone's work style from all angles (360 degrees). It's different from traditional performance reviews because it doesn't just rely on a manager's opinion. Companies use this approach to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement from different perspectives.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented 360 Feedback program for leadership development of 50+ managers

Designed and conducted 360-Degree Feedback assessments for executive team

Used 360 Degree Review process to improve team communication and performance

Led 360-Degree Assessment initiatives across multiple departments

Typical job title: "HR Managers"

Also try searching for:

HR Manager Learning & Development Manager Organizational Development Specialist Performance Management Specialist HR Business Partner Talent Development Manager Leadership Development Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a 360 feedback program in a company that's never used it before?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover creating buy-in from leadership, designing the feedback process, ensuring confidentiality, training participants, and having a clear plan for using the feedback constructively.

Q: How do you handle resistance to 360 feedback programs?

Expected Answer: Should discuss communication strategies, demonstrating value through pilot programs, addressing privacy concerns, and showing how the feedback leads to actual development opportunities.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of a successful 360 feedback questionnaire?

Expected Answer: Should mention balanced questions covering different competencies, clear rating scales, space for written comments, and ensuring questions are relevant to the person's role.

Q: How do you ensure confidentiality in a 360 feedback process?

Expected Answer: Should explain using minimum group sizes for reporting, anonymous feedback collection, secure data handling, and clear communication about privacy measures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of 360 degree feedback?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it provides comprehensive feedback from multiple perspectives to help employees understand their impact on others and identify areas for development.

Q: Who typically participates in a 360 feedback process?

Expected Answer: Should list managers, peers, direct reports, and sometimes external stakeholders like customers, explaining why each perspective is valuable.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Understanding of basic feedback principles
  • Ability to explain 360 process to participants
  • Basic data collection and organization
  • Maintaining confidentiality

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Design of feedback questionnaires
  • Implementation of feedback programs
  • Analysis of feedback data
  • Facilitating feedback sessions

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic program design
  • Managing large-scale feedback initiatives
  • Integration with development programs
  • Training and coaching others

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of confidentiality importance
  • Inability to explain how to handle sensitive feedback
  • Lack of experience with feedback tools or systems
  • Poor communication skills
  • No experience in facilitating development conversations