Performance appraisal management can be time-consuming, work-intensive and, generally, burdensome to business owners and managers, primarily because it diverts so much time, energy and effort away from other crucial business functions. This is where 360 feedback software can make a great deal of difference. By automating much of the performance review process, appraisal management software can free up an owner's or manager's time for other important tasks.

Here are some positive effects a carefully chosen 360 management software solution can bring to your company:

1. Step-by-step guidance through the employee feedback and review maze

2. Streamlined review and assessment processes

3. Multi-reviewer capability with no need for handwritten feedback or paper-form completion

4. Automated data consolidation and reporting, including visuals, such as graphs and charts

5. Simple, objective comparison of prior, present and future results to accurately measure employee growth and improvement and identify areas where further growth is needed

6. Scanning capability, which automatically flags non-compliant language in self-written survey questions

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather available information to help you better understand the 360 degree evaluation concept

Much has been written about the concept of 360 degree review. Availing yourself of these invaluable explanations, descriptions and assessments can help you decide whether further investigation of 360 programs would warrant your time.

I recommend: Performance Management and Appraisal Help Center offers comprehensive information on a variety of 360 program topics, as well as consulting services that can help you better understand and implement your chosen 360 management feedback system.

Find out what the experts say about the different available 360 management software solutions

Reviews, evaluations and product comparisons by experts in the field of 360 degree review and 360 review software can help take the guesswork out of your 360 review software evaluation.

I recommend: An online "360 Degree Feedback Comparison" by N.E. Freid, Ph.D., CCP, can help guide you through the process of evaluating a variety of available 360 feedback software.

Visit sites that offer either full descriptions of various 360 programs or links to numerous vendors

This can be a real time-saver, since these sites have taken the time to assemble all the information for you in one convenient place, including product/vendor descriptions, 360 degree demo, tour or free trial links. Those which offer links to vendors' main websites are also valuable, since all the above information is easily accessed from the vendor's main site.

I recommend: Capterra offers comprehensive descriptions of a variety of performance evaluation software, including 360 feedback software. B2B Yellow Pages directs you to various 360 appraisal management software vendors via links, where you may get further information about their products..

Consider web-based 360 review software for convenience, and look for value-added vendor offers

Web-based 360 management software, also called SaaS (Software as a Service), can greatly simplify your 360 degree evaluation process. Many SaaS vendors offer various 360 degree appraisal tools free, including a 360 degree demo, tour or trial download and often webinars and other services, as well.

I recommend: Some SaaS vendors that offer such added features are Halogen, SuccessFactors and Sum Total. The Booth Company and SurveysByDesign also provide coaching.

Before making your final decision on which 360 program to buy, consult buyers' guides and charts

Whenever possible, take a final look at an appropriate 360 program buyers' guide or software comparison chart before buying. This smart move can help bring together all the knowledge you've gathered and give you a few final tips on making the best possible purchase decision.

I recommend: The HR World Buyers Guide, as well as the magazine's Performance Management Comparison Chart are both available online.

To encourage management development, provide 360 management feedback via staff-survey software

Some 360 feedback software provides specific opportunities for your managers to assess their own effectiveness in handling their teams and other responsibilities through surveys completed by rank and file employees. This can benefit your company by improving your managers' supervisory skills.

I recommend: Assessment Specialists, Inc. offers 360 management feedback software. William Steinberg Consultants, Inc. includes a software component specifically targeted to management. Both can help your managers become better leaders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you consider the cost of 360 review software, be sure to figure in the money you'll save through automation, greater accuracy and efficiency, time freed up for other projects and more effective leadership. While these factors may be difficult to quantify, they play a decisive role in your company's bottom line.
• •  Don't simply ask yourself, 'Can we afford to do this?' Try switching it around and ask, 'Can we afford not to?' Once you've answered both questions as honestly as possible, you'll be better able to make an effective decision.