As our exhibition ‘tour’ draws to a close for 2011, I’d like to share some of the questions and misconceptions visitors to our various stands discussed.

There are those that visit because they are interested in buying 360 feedback, those who might be interested in using it in their organisation or with their own clients, and those who’ve heard of it and thing they should understand what “it’ is. Add to this those who come over to ell us how much they dislike 360 feedback and why it doesn’t work, those who’s opening comment is ‘so what different about you’ and of course those who just want the freebies you have to offer. (Sweets and pens still on the favourites list by the way)

All of this makes for a varied and interesting time, from our point of view though we are there as much to learn as to sell. We are learning what potential clients concerns are, we are learning what they want and what value they place on 360 feedback, all of this helps grow and develop our service. The key thing that struck me this year is how many people prioritise or focus on the wrong parts of the process putting the whole 360 feedback intervention at risk. So for us it is an opportunity to share our experience and wisdom as 360 feedback experts too.

The key thing most people focus their effort and energy on is the online 360 tool, probably because this is the one part they have to spend money on. So some have a checklist of requirements, some want to know what we do better than our competitors and most ask what does it cost?  

Now here’s the thing, the 360 online tool can be very cost effective – I’d go as far as to say cheap even; but implementing it badly can be an extremely expensive exercise.

When choosing a 360 provider be it an online service or a managed package the key to success is in using the wisdom and support of the experts you buy from. A few simple questions will identify what you need in terms of help with setting up your 360 project and designing the question set; the specific features for your online tool, and what support you need with feedback delivery; either training for your team, or actual facilitation. And this does vary greatly between organisations.

Many have used 360 successfully before, have experienced coaches or 360 facilitators in the organisation and really do only need the online tool. Equally people don’t know what they don’t know, it is becoming increasingly easy to hurl online solutions at your team and wait for the results. With 360 feedback what goes on around the data collection part of the process is what really makes the difference. See Four Feedback Fundamentals

At Appraisal360 success of the 360 project is just as important to us as “getting the deal’ we therefore offer the full range of support needed for a successful intervention through our practitioner network. So whether it’s an online service, a managed project some training or a full coaching package Appraisal360 Practitioners is a one-stop shop.   If you are interested in joining our team contact Lynda or get started by joining our free practitioners network

One of our key ‘take aways’ from this year’s ‘exhibition tour’ is that return on investment is the key is much more at the forefront of development decision making than last year – quite rightly. To be successful any exhibitor needs to be able to clearly and coherently describe what that looks like, and how it can be achieved in the enquirer’s reality. Most of the people who visited our stand were there because they wanted to learn, and that’s great for us because we had lots to share, and one day some of those will be clients, in fact some already are.

One of our keys to success, have right team on the stand with you. We have some fabulous practitioners many of whom have helped at events and exhibitions throughout the year, and we would especially like to thank Kate Wootton (pictured above), Nicola Meeres, Jeannie Horsfield, Suzanne Hayes Jones and Jane Green Armytage for their help at the recent CIPD annual conference.