Improving Your Business With Consultants: Ideas, Tips and More

People who are responsible for the performance of others must always be looking out for ways to improve. They'll need to make sure that they have as much data and valuable information as possible so that they can make the right decisions moving forward. There are many different solutions, products and services that can help a manager in this position, but one of the most impactful may be the 360° survey. It may well be a good idea for you to consider this type of approach, but you will need to implement it properly. What problems should you aim to avoid if you are to make the best use of the gathered material?

Keeping on Top of It

A 360° feedback process will take some time to implement due to its depth and breadth, but make sure that it does not drag on for too long. After all, this type of survey is supposed to measure the performance of your organisation at a point in time so you can understand the data that is generated and make any relevant changes.

Understand that your organisation is dynamic and circumstances can change as time goes by. Consequently, you may be faced with a different set of issues when you finally act on the gathered data, and the change that you put in place may no longer be relevant.

Dealing With Resistance

Don't be surprised if you come across a certain degree of resistance here. While some employees will relish the thought of receiving feedback so that they can progress even further, others may be stubborn. Some may think that their responses will hurt the feelings of another, or they might be worried about the confidentiality of the entire program. It is up to you as a manager to reassure them before you can expect the right level of buy-in.

Punctuality

To avoid this scenario, set hard deadlines and make sure that everyone responds with punctuality. You need to be ruthless here and let everybody know that you mean business, as otherwise, the investment may not be as valuable.

Once you do have the data, make sure that you analyse it straight away so that you can come up with the right conclusions and get ready to direct your feedback. Additionally, ensure that you have a support structure in place and a means to help those employees understand what they need to do to better themselves. For example, they may need to learn new skills or behaviours, and you may need to enrol them in a particular workshop to help.

Structure

A structured survey should never be ambiguous or vague. Otherwise, you may solicit answers that could themselves be open to more than one interpretation and have much less value as a consequence.  

Getting Help

To stand the best chance of success with 360 degree feedback surveys, work with a consultant here. They will help you to structure and deliver the survey for best effect.