Estimates put usage of 360 or multi-rater feedback at around 89% of medium and large companies. Its enduring popularity with companies owes to its unique versatility as a development tool.

For those taking part though, it isn’t always so popular and can be quite a daunting prospect. Receiving feedback, especially if some of it is negative, can be particularly uncomfortable.

 Leaders must be prepared to be more open in order to leverage genuine value from the 360 process though, as a recent article in the Wall Street Journal explains.

Sharing is good. Sharing 360 development actions with others will create clarity around the process and help foster trust between managers and their teams. What’s more, there is compelling evidence to show that this will help increases the effectiveness of the 360.

By sharing, leaders and managers will also show that they have taken feedback on board. This will not only validate the 360 process but it will also strengthen the feedback culture and, help the individual in question to follow through on development actions.