360-Degree Feedback
There are times when all we can see about ourselves are negative things. Other times, our focus is only on the positives. The truth of the matter—we’re made up of strengths and weaknesses and need to be aware of both to position ourselves well.
360-degree feedback is useful because it compiles comments and observations from the people around us. First we evaluate ourselves, then we have higher-ups, underlings, and peers add their thoughts. While it sounds threatening, it can provide invaluable information. Consider having several other people comment on your appearance, resume, skill base, and conversational/interview deportment. What you find may be very enlightening.
Here’s what may come to the surface:
Some people exhibit different behaviors to the people above them and below them in status. Be careful if you fall into this category. You never know when the scales will be tipped and positions change. Treat all people with respect and courtesy, regardless of rank (this also includes children).
We all have biases. Know what your biases are and work to keep them in check. Things we say, ways we act, can give us away without our even being aware that we are labeling people, reacting to personal hot buttons, or becoming sensitive to past experiences. Know yourself.
Most of us think we project a good image...especially when we are going on an interview. But the age of the interviewer, the formality or casualness of the corporate culture, or the age/disrepair/trendiness of the clothing we choose may tell more about us than we’d like. Dress for the image you want to portray, but try to match company culture and interviewer expectations.
Oftentimes we show different behaviors when we’re under stress as opposed to calm times. Be sure that you can identify when the heat is going up and your responses are too. Don’t wait for others to notice and comment on it.
Look for some validity in criticisms. None of us is perfect. We may not see ourselves in a certain way. But, if several others proclaim an unflattering side of you, look to see why they have that perception and how you can make a more positive impression. Don’t just ignore it and think you are 100% right.
360-degree feedback can tell us many thing about ourselves that we may not know. It’s like having the benefit of a mirror that shows us our backsides. Use it to your advantage.
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