Shaking Things Up

Is 360-degree feedback right for your organization? Although the use of 360-degree feedback has increased in recent years, there is still an untapped market for this assessment tool, according to a survey by Developmental Dimensions International (DDI), a global human resources company headquartered in Bridgeville, Pa. In fact, just 19 percent of the companies surveyed frequently use 360-degree assessments, or input from their peers or customers.

"A 360-degree feedback program cannot simply be imposed on an organization," says Sandy Asch, principal of Alliance for Organizational Excellence, a consulting company based in San Diego. "The program disturbs the organization's balance and those who are being assessed—but it also challenges individuals to get out of their ruts and develop their skills."

What is the best way to launch a successful 360-degree feedback program? Here are the keys to success:

1.