I am about to run a series of 360 debrief sessions for a client.  As we are managing the service in this instance we follow our standard process.

Prior to the meetings, I will review the report, look at the balance of responses, draw out potential themes and spend a long time reading the narrative sections.  At the meeting, I will hand over the report allowing the recipient time to skim read it and then start to discuss it ensuring that the recipient understands the 360 feedback and the report.

This route of handing over the report during the debrief session rather than in advance can be controversial.  Why do we choose it?

Well, on balance we believe that

• a 360 degree appraisal session is powerful and merits care
• non-verbal responses to the report identify areas for discussion and areas of potential concern
• understanding the report is the most important thing.  A debrief session offers the opportunity to ensure understanding is reached.  A prior reading mitigates against this

Handing over the report in advance of the session (or, not having a 360 feedback session at all) leaves the first impressions of the report to be formed by the recipient without any input on context, feedback on reaction, or challenge on misinterpretation.  It might be ok, but why take the risk?

I'm looking forward the feedback sessions.  I've mentioned before that Bowland Solutions are finding themselves brought in for the whole process more often and it is always rewarding to see the benefits of 360 feedback and not just the process.

Brendan