The Art of Asking the Right Questions

A question is a doorway. A poorly built one leads nowhere. But the right question? It opens into deeper rooms of understanding, insight, and transformation.

In 360-degree Feedback, the questions we ask shape the mirrors we build. Thoughtful, well-crafted prompts gently and powerfully bring truth to the surface.

Why Good Questions Matter

Poorly designed feedback questions yield noise: vague praise, defensive critiques, or empty platitudes. Good questions, however, bring clarity, specificity, and actionable wisdom.

Research into leadership development and employee feedback highlights that behaviour-based, open-ended, and positively framed questions lead to the most valuable insights.

Essential Categories of 360 Feedback Questions

1. Communication and Collaboration

• “How effectively does [Name] listen to diverse perspectives?”

• “Describe a time when [Name] facilitated collaboration across teams.”

2. Leadership and Influence

• “How does [Name] inspire and motivate others during challenges?”

• “What leadership qualities does [Name] consistently demonstrate?”

3. Emotional Intelligence

• “How does [Name] respond to feedback or differing opinions?”

• “Give an example of [Name]’s empathy in action.”

4. Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

• “How does [Name] approach complex problems or uncertainty?”

• “Share an instance where [Name]’s strategic insights made a difference.”

5. Personal Growth and Development

• “What strengths has [Name] developed over the past year?”

• “Where could [Name] focus for continued leadership growth?”

Pro Tip: Keep It Balanced

Include quantitative rating scales (to detect patterns) and open-ended questions (to uncover stories). The dance between numbers and narratives is what makes 360-degree Feedback truly powerful.

Example: From Insight to Action

A financial services company redesigned its 360 surveys using behaviour-specific questions. Within one cycle, managers reported a marked increase in actionable insights — and a noticeable boost in leadership development conversations.

Final Reflection

Craft your questions like a sculptor shapes clay with patience, vision, and reverence for the hidden masterpiece within.