360 feedback, literally, provides individuals with all-round performance feedback from colleagues, manager(s), direct reports, customers and others. Crucially, it also compares their self-perception with how others see their performance.

Business Doctors provide a uniquely versatile 360 degree feedback service, mainly online but using other distribution media if required.

Our approach to 360 degree feedback

Our total 360 Feedback service:

Design

• We design and tailor the questionnaire to the client's specifications, using agreed competencies where they exist, drawing from the survey library within our extensive database of questions, or using a selection from both.
• 15-20 questions is a sufficient number, provided that they cover a full range of important performance and behaviour criteria, as comments are given after
  each question.
• We agree all of the other variables - the scale, the list of respondents and their relationships, any additional questions, etc. - with the client.
• Significantly, we also agree the reporting back procedure before we start.
• Respondents or "raters" are drawn from those people who know the recipient or "subject", and should be from a range of different relationships, to achieve a true
  360º perspective.
• In addition, each "subject" answers the same questions about himself or herself.

Orientation or Alignment of participants

• We set up an "orientation" or "Alignment" session for all participants (subjects and raters) to ensure that everyone understands the concept and the procedures. In our experience this increases both the response rate and the quality of responses.

Distribution or Administration

• We upload the questionnaire on to a secure server for on-line responses (now the most popular option) and also make it available for responses by email or paper versions. In each case detailed instructions are included.
• We collect and collate all the completed feedback, either by downloading or receiving email or paper versions. All responses come directly to us, and they remain confidential and anonymous.

• We produce an individual report for each participant. The report is tailored to the client's requirements, but invariably includes the averaged numeric ratings, a comparison of the raters' feedback with the subject's own self rating, and all
  the comments.
• We present and review each report one-to-one with the "subject", off-site and off-line.
• In our one-to-one review we encourage the "subject", having digested the feedback,
  to produce a personal development plan or action plan to be discussed with his or
  her manager.

What are the benefits of outsourcing

360º Feedback to Business Doctors?

• 20/20 Insight GOLD is a clear winner in itself - the ultimate in tailored feedback and survey design systems
• The combination in our reports of both numeric ratings and comments after each question gives detailed and specific feedback - a "qualitative" output rather than just a "quantitative" one.
• Business Doctors' considerable experience in 360 helps to overcome the pitfalls and problems often associated with initial forays into 360 and delivers an efficient and productive survey
• The confidential one-to-one meeting with one of our consultants - the value of our "neutrality" cannot be overestimated - facilitates a positive response to the feedback and encourages individuals to plan personal development.
• 20/20 Insight GOLD software includes an impressive Individual Development Plan (IDP) application, issued free to each subject after the meeting to facilitate personal responsibility for action planning.
• We handle all the administration, whichever of the above options is chosen.
• The 360 process can be repeated, after 9-12 months, to measure progress.

The Next Step

For more information about aligning our approach to 360 feedback with the needs of your organisation, please call us on 0845 219 7077 or email us info@businessdoctors.co.uk

If you are not based in the United Kingdom, please bear in mind that our 360° Feedback service can be largely managed by email and using our Web Response service, so do not be discouraged from contacting us!