How Do We Know that the 360-Degree Process Results in Improvement?

Most of our clients participate in 360-degree assessments as an ongoing process, benchmarking and gauging their improvement in various areas over time. Over 93 percent of our clients who implement a 360-degree feedback process continue the process on a semiannual or annual basis. Many of the participants of this process also engage in a customized follow-up survey process, which enables them to solicit feedback on the two or three areas they have specifically targeted for improvement. This is a cost-effective, streamlined, and efficient way to determine whether positive change is actually occurring.

Our research has shown repeatedly that individuals who regularly follow up with their key stakeholders regarding their areas for development improve significantly as compared with those who do not. Figure A-1 represents aggregate results of overall leadership effectiveness from several organizations.