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360° feedback on Senior Executive leadership capabilities
Assessing the hallmarks of good leadership in the Australian Public Sector
A 360° Overview
The 360° Feedback Questionnaire on Senior Executive Leadership Capabilities is a structured method of gathering information about performance in relation to the Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework (SELC Framework). It has been specifically designed for use in 360° feedback and broader leadership and career development programmes within the Australian Public Service (APS) context.
The respondents to the questionnaire include the participant (the person being rated), their manager, staff, colleagues, clients and peers. The comprehensive information gathered from this process assists participants to identify areas of strength and development needs, and provides a useful starting point for performance and development planning.
The questionnaire is relevant for current senior executives seeking feedback about their performance, as well as for executive level officers who can track their progress, and plan their development against the senior executive requirements in the SELC Framework. The feedback is also useful to assist them to strengthen performance within their current roles.
The questionnaire was originally developed by the Commission in collaboration with Saville & Holdsworth Australia, as part of the design of the Career Development Assessment Centre within the APS.
The 360° Feedback Questionnaire is used in the Career Development Assessment Centre, selected Commission development programs, and in agency-specific leadership development and feedback programs.
The Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework—at a glance
The Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework is a comprehensive statement of requirements for senior executives, setting out the behaviours that characterise high performance in senior executive leadership roles in the APS. It does this in ways that can apply directly to all areas of planning for senior executives, including as selection criteria, as the basis for leadership development and performance management, and as a guide for succession planning for the Senior Executive Service. The Leadership Framework is unique to the requirements and aspirations of the APS. It was an initiative of the Public Service and Merit Protection Commission, developed in 1999 in collaboration with APS agencies. In 2001 it was reviewed, with agencies indicating that it remained sound, relevant, and meeting the current requirements of the APS.
Benefits for agencies
At the broadest level, the 360° Feedback Questionnaire on Senior Executive Leadership Capabilities will enable agencies to gain reliable and comprehensive assessments of the leadership strengths and capability gaps within their senior executive and executive levels, and to make broader comparisons of these against the wider APS. This information can be used to guide development and succession planning programmes.
Benefits for the individual
The insights gained from participating in the 360° process can assist the participant to pursue their career management and individual development strategy. Participants undertaking the 360° process receive a comprehensive feedback report (structured according to the capabilities) containing:
- analysis by the participant and their manager of the critical capabilities required in the current role, providing the opportunity to explore differences and clarify expectations;
- a summary of ratings against the capabilities from all raters
- detailed results against each of the 100 questions in the questionnaire
- an analysis of the 20 highest and lowest ratings given by other raters (i.e. where the participant is seen as being most, and least effective)
- identification of strengths and development needs, and areas of unused potential
- comparison of the participant's results against the wider APS
- suggestions for approaching development planning, and
- a powerful starting point for discussions about performance and development.
What is involved?
Each participant is given information and instructions for completing the questionnaire and for collecting the responses of up to seven other respondents—their manager, generally up to four staff and two others. The questionnaires are completed via web access, following which SHL Australia process the data and prepare the reports.
It is important to note that in the data collection process, individual respondents cannot see the responses given by others. In addition, the responses given by staff and others are reported as averages, to help ensure confidentiality. The manager's responses are however reported separately, to provide a foundation for development planning and discussions about the participant's role.
Links to the Leadership Framework
The 360° Feedback Questionnaire has been specifically designed to test the capabilities contained in the SELC Framework. The questions incorporate specific research that was undertaken during development of the Leadership Framework to the behaviours that are exhibited by highly effective senior executives.
Options
Standard service
Includes the processing and scoring of responses, generation and provision of individual reports and help-desk assistance.
Additional services (optional)
Arrangements for access to the questionnaire and the distribution of reports can be changed to meet the needs of individual agencies. Customised management reports can also be prepared on request.
Fees, including volume discounts, are available on application.
Further information
For further information regarding the 360° Feedback Questionnaire and access arrangements please contact:
- Theresa Graham, Programmes Group, APS Commission
(02) 6202 3767 or email: theresa.graham@apsc.gov.au - Jane Marburg, SHL Australia on
(02) 6243 5172 or email: jane.marburg@shl.com.au - Renee Mack, SHL Australia on
(02) 6243 5157 or email: renee.mack@shl.com.au
