Questions to ask in your 360

In the realm of leadership development, the 360 assessment stands as a pivotal tool, offering a panoramic view of an individual's impact, leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth. Within this multifaceted assessment lie essential questions that delve deep into the core of leadership effectiveness. Let's dissect these questions and their significance in shaping a comprehensive understanding of leadership capabilities.

Preparation questions:

Questions that serve as the warm-up before the main event, setting the stage for a productive and insightful 360 review. Questions such as "What do you hope to find?", "What concerns you the most?", and "What do you hope to not find in the feedback?" play a crucial role in priming individuals for feedback reception. By encouraging a mindset open to growth and development, these inquiries remind individuals that feedback is not meant to criticize but to foster improvement.

Moreover, preparation questions prompt self-reflection, urging individuals to contemplate their perceived strengths and weaknesses. This introspective exercise lays the groundwork for a constructive feedback exchange. Additionally, by mentally preparing to receive feedback, individuals can mitigate defensiveness, making it easier to accept and act upon the feedback received.

Strengths:

One fundamental inquiry revolves around identifying the individual's greatest strength. By asking, "What is this person’s greatest strength?", assessors aim to unearth the unique value that the individual brings to the table. This insight not only highlights areas of excellence but also provides a foundation for leveraging strengths to enhance team performance and achieve organizational goals.

Blind Spots:

In contrast, addressing blind spots and limitations is equally crucial for personal growth and development. The question, "What blindspot is limiting this person’s effectiveness/performance?" is designed to uncover areas where the individual may be falling short or facing obstacles hindering their effectiveness. Identifying these blind spots opens the door to targeted improvement efforts and fosters self-awareness, essential for leadership growth.

Collaboration:

Furthermore, understanding an individual's collaborative skills is paramount for effective leadership. Questions like "What do you like most about collaborating with this person?" offer valuable insights into interpersonal skills, communication style, and ability to work collaboratively. This feedback sheds light on the leader's capacity to foster positive relationships, build trust, and drive successful team dynamics.

Impact:

Effective leadership transcends tasks and directives; it encompasses the ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with others on an emotional level. Hence, questions probing the emotional impact of leadership style are essential. For instance, "Think of a positive experience you’ve had working with this person. What two words best describe how you felt?" delves into the emotional resonance of the individual's leadership. Understanding this impact provides valuable feedback for cultivating a positive and supportive work environment.

Reflection: 

Reflection questions serve as the mirror that allows individuals to see themselves more clearly. They facilitate self-awareness, learning, responsibility, and resilience, essential for personal and professional growth. By asking questions like "What surprised you the most?" or "What will you start, stop, and continue doing?", individuals extract valuable lessons from feedback, take ownership of their development, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

The efficacy of a 360 assessment lies in its ability to paint a holistic picture of an individual's leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement. By asking the right questions and fostering open dialogue, organizations empower their leaders to reach their full potential and drive meaningful change within their teams and organizations. This approach not only stimulates growth and development but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.