Multi-Level 360 Degree Feedback

Lumus™ has recently created, piloted and implemented an innovative multi-level 360 feedback tool that has been specifically designed to underpin the development and deployment of senior talent within larger organisations.

This alternative approach differs from traditional 360 degree feedback tools in that it describes (and provides feedback on) each management competency area at four levels of performance, using the following scale:

• Level 1 - Minimum Standard: Those behaviours within the competency area that are fundamental and that every senior manager within the organisation must exhibit.
• Level 2 - Expected Standard: Those behaviours within the competency that are considered as the 'norm' for an effective senior manager within their function.
• Level 3 - High Standard: Senior management behaviours that add 'substantive value' to the performance of the wider organisation.
• Level 4 - Exceptional Standard: Leadership behaviours seen in the highest performing managers and which are considered inspirational.

Building a 360 survey using this approach requires the organisation to develop a clear picture of what differentiates mediocre from exceptional performance within each senior management competency area (see example below).

The online questionnaires follow a conventional approach, in that they invite responders to share their perceptions regarding how frequently they see the participant carrying out the behaviour described on a scale from never to always. The questions within each competency area are jumbled up and incorporate no mention of performance levels in order not to influence or provide an opportunity for responders to give a judgemental rating.

The multi-level feedback report also breaks the conventional mould by providing participants with feedback using a red, amber and green (RAG) scale against each question and competency area whilst incorporating the range of ratings scores / provided.

Using this approach has the following additional benefits over a conventional 360 degree feedback tool:

• For the organisation it provides:
  • A structured way of describing levels of behavioural standards within a management population group.
  • A matrix for identifying and benchmarking the talent strength within the organisation.
  • Evidence-based data for any prospective 'chessboard' talent management process.
• For the participant it provides:
  • A clearer picture of their strengths and prioritised areas for development.
  • Absolute clarity about how they are performing against the expectations and competency standards of managers at their level of seniority.
  • A progress measure.

For further information, including a sample 360 multi-level report, call the Lumus™ team on +44 (0)1291 637380 or email davidcooper@lumus.co.uk.

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