Frequently Asked Questions

What are BHI’s “standard” 360° products—and how do they differ from the competition?

BHI offers three unique 360° products. For leaders in any industry, our High Definition 360° provides a deep assessment of capability in the six areas that are critical to leadership success—strategic leadership, people leadership, operational leadership, change leadership, character and capacity. Collectively these dimensions provide a targeted look at a leader’s effectiveness in his or her current role, along with readiness and fit for larger roles.

Our PEAK 360° products are designed specifically for leaders in the foodservice industry. The PEAK 360° for Multi-Unit Supervisors provides performance and developmental insight in areas such as Business Planning, Team Building and Problem Solving, among others. The PEAK 360° for Food Service Operators targets performance areas such as Financial Responsibility, Supervision, Systems Management and Decision Making.

While other 360° products provide general feedback, BHI 360s provide deep insight into the specific behaviors that contribute to leadership performance—in both current and future roles. And we don’t stop there; every 360° feedback report comes with a precise and targeted development plan aimed at leveraging strengths and capitalizing on performance opportunities.

Can BHI customize a 360° assessment for my organization?

If you are interested in creating an assessment specific to the needs and requirements of your leaders, BHI will partner with you to refine one of our current 360° offerings—or build a fully customized 360° assessment around the competencies critical to your organization. We bring decades of experience to the development of assessment solutions, and our unique combination of psychological insight and real-world expertise has a proven track record of driving business results.

Are all BHI 360° assessments web-based, or is there a paper-and-pencil survey option available?

Our High Definition 360° is web-based, which provides for rapid organizational deployment and easy access for all users. We offer web-based and paper-and-pencil options for our PEAK 360° assessments, to accommodate situations where computer access is not available.

How much does a BHI 360° cost, and what does that cost include?

A basic 360° package starts at $350, which includes process planning, survey administration, feedback and developmental guidelines. Other options include one-on-one feedback over the phone or in-person, group feedback sessions and on-going performance coaching. Contact us for additional information, including group packages and survey customization.

How long does it take to initiate a survey? What is involved?

Timing depends upon the number of leaders being assessed and the type of administration you choose. A single, web-based 360° can take as little as 48 hours to set up. It will take longer to initiate a 360° assessment project for a larger group of leaders.

How long should a leader be in position before taking a 360° assessment?

Typically, we recommend that a leader be in place for six months before a 360° assessment is administered. However, the level of interaction between the leaders and his/her potential rating group members as well as other variables can impact this guideline.

At what level in the organization is the 360° most effective?

Leaders at all levels—and anyone being considered for a future leadership position—can benefit from the developmental insights of a 360° assessment.

Do the competencies change from industry to industry?

The 23 competencies identified in the High Definition 360° are essential across all industries and our unique ranking system allows leaders and their managers to identify the skills that are most critical for each leader in their current role.

The Peak 360° series focuses on the key competencies essential to the multi-unit and store operator positions in the restaurant industry, based on BHI’s research.

How often can you conduct 360° assessments?

We recommend conducting 360° assessments on an annual basis to focus and measure individual, group and organizational development. 360° assessments are also used to augment training events and at any time to support the development and performance improvement plans for individuals.

Can the 360° be used in place of a performance assessment?

Most companies conduct 360° assessments for development purposes only. In order to promote honesty and openness in the process, participants are assured that results won’t impact appraisal ratings or compensation. Some companies use the 360° degree feedback as one of the factors to consider in the appraisal process, especially with respect to setting goals for development. We recommend that clients proceed with caution in this area and only work the 360° into their appraisal process after the concept of 360s is generally accepted in the organization.

How does the 360° support a company’s performance management process?

A BHI 360° assessment process supports performance management by providing a comprehensive view of the individual’s performance—based on feedback from peers, supervisors, direct reports and others. In addition, our 360° can be customized to measure the competencies and behaviors that are already a part of an organization’s performance management process.

What reports can be generated if 360° assessments are completed on larger groups in the organization?

When large numbers of leaders are assessed, we can provide roll-up reports that highlight perceptions at an organizational level, as well as the standard individual feedback reports.

How long does it take for a rater to complete the 360° assessment?

It usually takes a rater 15-20 minutes to complete the 360° assessment.

How are the results delivered?

Individual 360° results are delivered as part of a development workbook, in either a PDF or hard-copy version. Each workbook includes a graphic representation of ratings in all competency areas, along with an inventory of the leader’s top- and bottom-rated behaviors. In addition, the High Definition 360° report highlights the key competencies that both the leader and his or her manager feel are vital for success in the current role.

Following the presentation of results, the workbook guides the leader through creating a behavior-based development plan, complete with timelines and measurable results.

View samples of:

• High Definition 360° Report
• PEAK 360° for Multi-Unit Supervisors Workbook
• PEAK 360° for Food Service Operators Workbook

Is it better for a company to require certain raters (such as key peers or direct reports) or to just let the leader being assessed select his or her own raters?

We will work with the leader and his or her manager to determine which raters will add the most value to the process.

What is the minimum number of raters required to get effective results? What is the maximum?

In our standard presentation of results, manager feedback is reported separately. To maintain the anonymous aspect of the 360° process, all other rating groups—peers, direct reports, and others—require a minimum of three responses to report their feedback as separate groups. This criteria, however, can vary based upon the requirements of the organization.

How would a 360° assessment be used with a “leader” who does not have direct reports (e.g., a project leader who manages cross-functional teams)?

360° raters can include clients, customers, members of a project team and even product end-users. We will work with you to determine the best raters for an individual leader.

Who will have access to feedback reports/results?

We will work with you to determine, in advance, who will have access to feedback.

Are participants required to share the feedback with their teams?

We highly recommend that leaders share their results with their team members and others who will support their development. This helps the participating leader understand their feedback and create an environment that is open and supportive of development.