Four Reasons Why You Should Train 360 Degree Feedback Raters

In a previous post, we outlined 5 Necessities for 360 Degree Feedback Success, which included the recommendation to train participants. Where it is important to train all stakeholders involved in the process, it is crucial that you provide training to raters.

Rater training goes beyond just teaching participants on how to use the feedback system. Your training program should also include information on the 360 process, instructions on how to give feedback and tips on how to avoid rating errors. In today’s post we will examine four reasons why training raters is key to the efficiency of the 360 process.

1. To gain 360 degree feedback understanding:

   It is important that the training include information on the 360 degree feedback process. The purpose of the evaluation needs to be clearly communicated, i.e., for participant development and continuous organizational improvement. It is also crucial that raters receive information on the scope of the evaluation and on their role in the process. Providing this information is key to the success of the 360 evaluation as it increases rater engagement and leads to improved and consistent feedback.

2. To provide useful feedback:

   Before you train raters on how to provide constructive feedback you need to assure them complete anonymity. With anonymity guaranteed raters will be more apt to provide honest, open feedback. The next step is to provide clear instructions on how to provide objective, specific and timely feedback. This involves training feedback providers on how to use the rating scale and on the competencies and behaviors that are being evaluated.

3. To avoid bias & errors:

   360 degree feedback reviews provide a more comprehensive and accurate view of a participant’s work than performance appraisals do. In particular, by taking into account multisource feedback the likelihood of personal bias is decreased. However, that does not mean that biases cannot occur. To ensure consistent and accurate results, raters should be trained on how to avoid biases and rating errors. Some unconscious and unintentional biases can occur such as the halo/horns effect. Being aware of biases enables raters to be more accurate and objective in their feedback.

4. To know how to use the system:

   Raters also need to be trained on how to use the 360 degree feedback system. Hands-on training should be provided on how to successfully complete and submit feedback forms.  The rating scale should again be explained to the feedback providers to avoid any unintentional errors when filling out the survey online. It is also important to let raters know that they can access the system 24 hours a day through any web-enabled device. System training should also include instructions on how to save and return to un-submitted feedback forms at a later time.