Well-Designed Plan

The design and implementation of your 360-degree feedback initiative requires thoughtful planning, to encourage buy-in and commitment.

Establish written policies about the issues that will have a major impact on how well 360 will be accepted: who will be evaluated and when, how raters will be chosen, what your timeline will be, how the reports will be delivered, who will see the reports, how they will be used.

It is essential to communicate your policies well in advance of your 360 process, to reduce anxiety, and encourage acceptance and even enthusiasm. Inform not only participants but also their managers and all raters.

Who communicates this information is also important. Messages delivered by a senior executive or HR manager will probably have the greatest impact.