Leadership Development Approaches
Among the various leadership development approaches, 360-degree feedback is the best, and many companies globally use it. This training methodology entails a leader receiving input regarding their performance and behavior from multiple sources such as customers, subordinates, peers, executive managers, and self-assessment. Ideally, the reviewers complete an assessment test, which is the primary survey instrument. The feedback is for compiling reports after reviewing the information with the leader’s facilitator, supervisor, and mentor. The third component of the 360-degree feedback approach is to use the information to implement a long-term program to address the weakness identified and advance the strengths (Das & Panda, 2017).
This approach is the best because it is affordable and is applicable in any industry. Generally, it is easy to put in place as the facilitator compiles the assessment sheet and delivers it to respondents who reply in their free time. Furthermore, it provides the person with a full perspective of their weaknesses and strengths. A multi-dimensional feedback system ensures the elimination and uncovering of biases and unknown strengths and weaknesses, respectively. It makes it easier for the leader to work on them for perfection. It also empowers all stakeholders involved in the process, including customers and employees. Employees feel they have a voice, which boosts their morale. This constructive communication also uncovers hidden issues that, when addressed, may reduce employee turnover.
Moreover, 360-degree feedback is a good starting point for the professional leadership development of individual employees who are not leaders yet. It constructively extracts problems continuously because it is an on-going process. Therefore, it provides room for improvement on both weaknesses and strengths while providing the means to tackle them from pieces of advice and instructions from other leaders. Besides, this approach produces leaders who are self-aware and accountable for their actions. The feedback helps advance learner characteristics such as creativity, openness, and problem-solving skills (Das & Panda, 2017).
Reference
Das, U. K., & Panda, J. (2017). The Impact of 360 Degree Feedback on Employee Role in Leadership Development. Asian Journal of Management, 8(4), 962-966.