Importance of 360 degree feedback

Anyone in a leadership position should take advantage of this tool called   360 degree feedback. It enables you to do a complete analysis on your leadership style and competencies as well as areas for improvement. Doing a 360 degree feedback analysis on yourself is not something that would come naturally to you. It is a skill mastered over time specially if you are going to be dealing with negative feedback.

    Think of it as a tool to improve your leadership skills, for your own development instead of criticism. 360 degree feedback is kept anonymous and therefore those providing feedback are very frank and provide valuable feedback. If you ask someone upfront to give you feedback, they may not say exactly what is on their mind but they would feel more comfortable providing honest feedback via anonymity.

    Leaders should take the issues brought about via 360 degree feedback seriously. However, in some cases, they can take the comments with a grain of salt. If someone is really pissed off, their comments may appear quite sharp. Nonetheless, there is always something to learn from these comments. Perhaps the person providing feedback is very sensitive and you could keep that in mind in future.

  ---
Aditi Chopra is an experienced leader in the software industry.
She is a consultant, writer and a leader.
 LinkedIn |  Web |  Twitter | Books