360 Feedback: Your Mirror for Personal Growth and Career Success

Imagine having a personal development coach whispering invaluable insights into your ear. Well, 360-degree feedback does just that, but instead of one voice, it's a chorus of perspectives from colleagues, managers, peers, and even clients. While often associated with leadership development, 360 feedback is a powerful tool for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

Why is 360-degree feedback valuable?

This type of feedback provides a full circle view of yourself, revealing blind spots and hidden strengths you might miss in self-reflection. You can think of it like standing in a room surrounded by mirrors. Instead of just seeing what's obviously in front of you, reflections from behind and from the side reveal views you may have been unaware of--a smudge between your shoulder blades, or a tag sticking up out of your shirt.

You can't fix what you can't see. And research shows that 360 feedback has tremendous impact:

• 53% improvement in leader effectiveness - Dale Carnegie Training
• 12% increase in individual performance - Aon Hewitt
• 27% reduction in turnover - Bersin by Deloitte

How does 360-degree feedback work?

To begin, you answer a survey assessing your skills and behaviors. Then your colleagues, managers, and others you work with (clients, other departments, etc.) do the same, creating a full circle set of feedback. You then receive a report summarizing the feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and highlighting your strengths.

Should I be afraid of what I'll hear?

Don't be intimidated! Use the feedback as a springboard for growth:

• Focus on themes, not specifics: Look for recurring patterns, not individual comments. These highlight areas that need genuine focus.
• Seek clarification: If something feels unclear, reach out to colleagues for anonymous or private conversations. Understanding their perspective is key.
• Develop an action plan: Choose two or three areas for improvement and create concrete steps to address them. Track your progress and celebrate milestones.
• Share your goals: Inform mentors or managers about your areas of focus. Their support and feedback can be invaluable.

Use 360-degree feedback to propel your career forward

Remember: 360 feedback isn't about blame or shame, but about self-awareness and growth. Embrace the honest (and sometimes uncomfortable) feedback. I personally have grown the most when I've gotten feedback that makes me squirm a little. It wasn't fun at the time, but it helped me improve as a leader and a coworker. 

It's an opportunity to unlock your full potential and propel your career forward. So, step into the "feedback mirror" and watch your personal and professional journey transform!

Ready to initiate your own 360 feedback assessment? Click here to get started. 

Photo by Erik Eastman on Unsplash