360 Degree Feedback Tools: Essential for Manager Development

June 27, 2025

10 min read

360 Degree Feedback Tools are transforming how managers develop their leadership skills by providing a comprehensive evaluation from peers, direct reports, and supervisors. This approach helps managers understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and impact on others, ultimately enhancing their leadership abilities and team performance.

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Quick Read

Summary generated by AI, reviewed for accuracy.

360-degree feedback tools are essential for developing managers. They help collect comprehensive feedback from multiple sources, providing managers with insights into their strengths and areas of improvement.

These tools drive better decision-making, boost leadership skills, and improve team performance, contributing to overall organizational success.

According to report, employees who receive regular feedback are 14.9% more likely to be engaged, boosting productivity. Harvard Business Review also highlights that 360-degree feedback fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enabling managers to refine their approach using real-time data.

In this blog, we delve into the importance of 360-degree feedback tools for manager development, how they work, and the key benefits they offer.

What is a 360 Degree Feedback Tool?

A 360-degree feedback tool is a performance appraisal system used to gather feedback on an employee’s performance from a variety of sources. These sources typically include peers, subordinates, supervisors, and sometimes even customers. This method gives managers a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and areas for growth.

Unlike traditional performance reviews that rely only on feedback from a manager, 360-degree feedback gathers insights from a variety of perspectives, including peers and team members. The aim is to help managers see how their actions impact others and to foster self-awareness, ultimately improving leadership effectiveness.

Why 360 Degree Feedback Tools are Essential for Manager Development

360-degree feedback tools offer critical benefits for managers looking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Research from Gallup suggests that engaged employees are 17% more productive, and those who receive regular feedback are 50% more likely to outperform their peers. Let’s explore the key reasons these tools are essential for manager development:

1. Promotes Self-Awareness:
Managers often see themselves in a certain way, but the feedback they receive through a 360-degree tool helps them understand how others perceive them. This awareness is vital for growth and development, allowing managers to refine their leadership style.

Managers can adjust their communication style based on feedback.

They can become more empathetic and responsive to team needs.

2. Improves Leadership Skills:
Leadership is not just about guiding a team; it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, engagement, and trust. 360-degree feedback tools highlight areas where managers need improvement, whether it’s emotional intelligence, decision-making, or conflict resolution.

Targeted feedback helps managers develop specific leadership traits.

It aids in building better relationships with team members.

3. Boosts Accountability:
With 360-degree feedback, managers can see exactly where they are excelling and where they need to improve. This fosters accountability, encouraging managers to take ownership of their development.

Managers are more likely to take proactive steps to address feedback.

Accountability builds a culture of trust within teams.

4. Enhances Team Engagement:
When managers actively seek feedback from their teams, it shows that they value their input. This creates an open environment that enhances employee engagement.

Teams feel more valued when their feedback is taken seriously.

Greater engagement leads to increased productivity and morale.

5. Supports Continuous Improvement:
360-degree feedback is an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. It’s about continuously gathering insights to foster improvement and growth over time.Managers who regularly use these tools can consistently track their progress and make adjustments as needed, promoting ongoing development.

Continuous feedback helps keep leadership skills sharp.

Managers can track performance trends over time.

Top 10 Best 360 Degree Feedback Tools

Here are the top 10 360-degree feedback tools that can empower businesses to enhance employee success and drive growth in 2025. These tools offer unique features that promote manager development, enhance team performance, and create a continuous feedback loop.

1. Performance Management 365

Performance Management 365 takes the top spot with its comprehensive and user-friendly 360-degree feedback features. This tool allows businesses to gather feedback from multiple sources, track progress over time, and align manager development with organizational goals.

Key Features:

360-Degree Feedback: Gather feedback from peers, managers, and direct reports to offer a holistic view of employee performance.

Goal Tracking: Align individual goals with organizational objectives and track progress over time.

Real-Time Feedback: Provide immediate feedback to encourage continuous development.

Employee Development Insights: Identify strengths and areas for growth through actionable insights.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Easy integration with Microsoft 365 for organizations already using Microsoft tools.

Comprehensive, actionable feedback to help managers grow effectively.

2. Leapsome

Leapsome is a versatile performance management platform that prioritizes employee growth and offers extensive customization to meet your team’s unique needs. It offers a seamless 360-degree feedback system that integrates easily with various other HR tools.

Key Features:

Customizable feedback templates tailored to your business.

Continuous feedback to foster real-time development.

Learning and development integration to support career growth.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Great for businesses that want a flexible, customizable feedback solution.

3. 15Five

15Five is a performance management and employee engagement tool that focuses on weekly check-ins and continuous feedback, helping managers stay aligned with team goals.

Key Features:

Weekly check-ins to track progress.

360-degree feedback from multiple organizational levels.

Recognition features to promote a positive work environment.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Designed for continuous improvement and employee satisfaction.

4. SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey, widely recognized for its user-friendly design, is an excellent tool for gathering 360-degree feedback, making it easy to collect valuable insights from various sources. While not specifically designed for performance management, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to gather actionable insights.

Key Features:

Customizable surveys for 360-degree feedback.

Actionable analytics and reporting for performance improvement.

Integration with HR tools for a comprehensive view of performance.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Affordable and easy to deploy for businesses looking for a simple feedback solution.

5. PeopleGoal

PeopleGoal offers a dedicated 360-degree feedback tool for performance and employee engagement management. It streamlines performance evaluations and goal setting while tracking manager development.

Key Features:

360-degree feedback from managers, peers, and direct reports.

Customizable surveys and goal tracking.

Clear insights into employee strengths and areas for growth.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Provides actionable feedback for continuous development.

6. TinyPulse

TinyPulse is designed to improve employee engagement and performance through regular 360-degree feedback and anonymous pulse surveys.

Key Features:

Anonymous feedback collection to encourage honesty.

Regular pulse surveys to track engagement and satisfaction.

Continuous feedback loop for employee success.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Helps organizations track employee sentiment over time.

7. Trakstar

Trakstar offers a suite of performance management tools, including 360-degree feedback, for improving employee performance and tracking development.

Key Features:

360-degree feedback from peers, managers, and subordinates.

Customizable reviews and goal-setting features.

Performance tracking to measure progress over time.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Provides managers with detailed insights into performance improvement.

8. Reflektive

Reflektive combines 360-degree feedback with goal management tools, fostering a feedback-driven culture within organizations.

Key Features:

360-degree feedback from peers and supervisors.

Continuous feedback loops for real-time performance improvement.

Goal management tools to track development.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Promotes a culture of regular feedback for continuous growth.

9. 360 Feedback by Saba

Saba’s platform integrates 360-degree feedback with performance management, allowing managers to track growth and development across various performance metrics.

Key Features:

Comprehensive 360-degree feedback from all relevant stakeholders.

Talent management and employee development tools.

Learning resources integrated with performance data.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Provides a clear overview of employee strengths and areas for growth.

10. Clear Company

Clear Company offers a suite of talent management tools, including 360-degree feedback, designed to help organizations enhance employee development.

Key Features:

360-degree feedback from multiple sources.

Goal alignment tools to ensure focus on organizational objectives.

Development resources to foster continuous growth.

Why it’s Great for Employee Success:

Supports both employee performance and engagement for long-term growth.

Top Features of Effective 360 Degree Feedback Tools

When selecting a 360-degree feedback tool, it’s essential to choose one with features that support effective manager development. Here are the top features to look for:

1. Customizable Feedback Surveys:
A good tool allows you to tailor the feedback survey to suit your organization’s needs. Customization ensures that the questions align with the key competencies required for effective management.

Focus on leadership-specific questions like communication, delegation, and conflict management.

Modify the surveys based on the development goals of each manager.

2. Anonymous Feedback Collection:
Anonymity encourages honest and open feedback. When employees know their responses are anonymous, they’re more likely to provide constructive and truthful insights, which are crucial for manager growth.

Encourages candid feedback without fear of repercussions.

Builds trust between managers and their teams.

3. Real-Time Analytics and Reports:
Modern 360-degree feedback tools provide real-time analytics that allow managers to view and interpret feedback instantly. This feature enables quicker decision-making and faster improvements.

Managers can act on feedback without waiting weeks for reports.

Immediate access to insights helps identify patterns and trends in performance.

4. Actionable Insights:
Feedback should not be generic but should provide clear, actionable recommendations. Effective tools break down feedback into manageable steps, helping managers focus on areas that will drive improvement.

Tools should give suggestions on how to improve leadership qualities.

Actionable insights allow managers to set goals and track progress.

5. Integration with Other Tools:
A 360-degree feedback tool that integrates with performance management software, HR tools, and learning management systems can streamline the development process. Integration provides a comprehensive view of performance across various platforms.

Integrates seamlessly with existing tools used in the organization.

Provides a unified platform for tracking employee and manager development.

How 360 Degree Feedback Tools Benefit Managers and Organizations

Using 360-degree feedback tools provides significant advantages not only for individual managers but for organizations as a whole. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Personal Growth:
Managers get a chance to identify their strengths and weaknesses through multiple perspectives. This self-awareness is the first step toward personal and professional growth.

Managers become better leaders as they understand their impact on others.

Feedback helps them become more adaptable and self-reflective.

2. Improved Decision Making:
With 360-degree feedback, managers get a comprehensive view of their decision-making processes. Feedback helps them make more informed decisions and align their strategies with organizational goals.

Managers can learn from past mistakes and avoid making similar errors.

More informed decisions lead to better business outcomes.

3. Better Communication:
360-degree feedback tools encourage open communication between managers and their teams. This transparency helps in building trust and collaboration.

Managers learn how to communicate more effectively with their teams.

Open communication fosters a positive work environment.

4. Higher Retention Rates:
When managers actively develop their leadership skills, they contribute to higher employee satisfaction and retention. Teams are more likely to stay when they feel supported and valued by their managers.

Better leadership leads to better employee experiences.

Employees are more likely to stay with managers who foster their growth.

5. Increased Organizational Alignment:
Managers who receive regular feedback can align their efforts with organizational goals. This alignment drives better performance and contributes to the overall success of the company.

Managers work towards goals that directly impact the company’s mission.

Alignment ensures that all teams are working towards the same objectives.

360 Degree Feedback Tool Best Practices

To ensure that managers derive the maximum benefit from 360-degree feedback tools, it’s crucial to follow best practices. These practices not only help in collecting valuable feedback but also in effectively acting on it to drive development. Here are the top best practices to keep in mind when using 360-degree feedback tools:

Use Tailored Feedback Surveys
Customize surveys to suit the specific leadership skills and competencies required for each role. Tailored feedback ensures that you gather insights relevant to each manager’s development.

Ensure Confidentiality and Anonymity
For the feedback to be honest and actionable, ensure that the responses are anonymous. This will help employees feel safe in providing constructive criticism.

Encourage Constructive Feedback
Ensure that the feedback is constructive and actionable. Avoid general comments like “Be a better leader” and instead focus on specifics like “Improve time management by delegating tasks more effectively.”

Provide Regular Feedback, Not Just During Reviews
360-degree feedback should be a continuous process, not just a once-a-year event. Regular check-ins and feedback will ensure that managers have enough time to make adjustments.

Create Action Plans Based on Feedback
Once feedback is collected, create clear, actionable steps for improvement. Ensure managers understand the areas that need focus and have the resources and support required to make those improvements.

Incorporate Self-Assessment
Encourage managers to complete a self-assessment alongside feedback from others. This will help them compare their self-perceptions with how others perceive them, promoting greater self-awareness.

Foster a Culture of Openness
Create an environment where feedback is welcomed and viewed as an opportunity for growth, not criticism. This will encourage both managers and employees to engage in open, honest conversations.

Act on Feedback
Ensure that the feedback collected through the 360-degree feedback tool is acted upon. If feedback isn’t acted upon, it can lead to disengagement and a lack of trust in the process.

Conclusion

360-degree feedback tools are essential for the growth and development of managers. They provide valuable insights into leadership capabilities, communication styles, and areas for improvement. By implementing these tools effectively, organizations can foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and collaboration. Managers who engage with 360-degree feedback become more self-aware, adaptable, and capable leaders, directly contributing to the overall success of the business.

Book a Demo:
Are you ready to transform your management practices with 360-degree feedback? Book a demo today and see how our Performance Management 365 platform can help you enhance your manager development process.