360 Reviews - Providing Input - Part 1

This cast explains how to respond to requests for 360 degree input.

360 reviews are a powerful - and common - part of the Human Resources toolbox. Their intent is to help leadership teams find out what managers and other professionals are "really" like, based on input from the people most likely to "know" them: their boss, their peers, their directs (if they have any), and in some cases other related personnel. They are sound in theory, afterall why NOT ask the consumers of a manager's behaviors whether or not he is a good manager? How could it hurt to find out whether or not a professional works well with her peers?

Over here at Manager Tools we strongly recommend them, when done well that is. But unfortunately, 360 reviews, as powerful as they are, are fraught with danger. Today we'll discuss how to navigate them successfully.