Continuing with thoughts on how to best implement a 360, I'd like to add some thoughts on the communication required   I've already covered how to design the report, get the questions right, and the rating scale so at this stage all of the key components of the 360 degree appraisal should be in place.  Most importantly, we should be sitting on our strategic intention from our planning phase.

Communicating effectively will reduce anxiety and increase participation.

Normally we would recommend that communication covers : Why are we doing a 360?  What are the outcomes?  What is the process?  At each phase of communication you can touch these points rather than rely on one lengthy email or information document that may not be read. 

How and when to communicate is really dependent on the current knowledge within the company, the abilities of the participants, the culture, and the level of complexity in the process.  As a minimum we would recommend

• Warm up communications that identify that the 360 is coming, the intention of it and at a high level how it will work
• With a week to go, we recommend an email that explains the process
• Within the email invitations to the recipients and/or the respondents of the 360 feedback, again give process information and clarity of purpose
• Within the 360 degree feedback system itself, ensure that the welcoming page, first page of the questionnaire, and other instructional text is "on message"

Brendan