360 degree appraisal is a simple and effective technique for gaining feedback on your performance at work.
The process is known as '360 degree' feedback or assessment because it looks at the opinions of people you regularly work with and interact with at all levels, not just a single line manager or colleague.
The University of Bristol currently asks all participants on some of the latest leadership and management training programmes to engage with the 360 appraisal. It has been designed to provide confidential feedback on a person’s professional behaviour and the impact that behaviour is having on people he/she works closely with.
The 360 combines feedback from the participant, their line manager, some of their peers, and their direct reports to provide a broad perspective on the participants’ strengths and developmental needs.
You identify the people you would like feedback from and they are then invited to complete an online questionnaire. The responses are collated and anonymised, with the exception of the quantitative feedback from your line manager.
A coach will talk you through the results from the 360 questionnaire, and help you get the most out of the findings. Using the data and comments from colleagues, we help participants to identify their strengths and pinpoint any areas for future development.
360 degree appraisal is currently offered to staff on the following Leadership and Management Development Programmes:
The 360 degree appraisal process may also be available to you if you are a senior leader undergoing leadership coaching sessions.
If you would like further information about the 360 degree feedback process, please contact staff-coaching@bristol.ac.uk
On some leadership programmes, all participants are offered coaching, so in these cases their managers will know that they are using the service. Your report and the contents of your session are confidential and it is up to you whether you choose to share the information with a line manager or colleagues
The unpacking of the 360 exercise was extremely useful in identifying my weaknesses and seeking ways to develop these areas, similarly with identifying the positives and continuing to use these skills.
A 360 degree feedback client
