Solution
Providing world-class feedback tools
Providing world-class feedback tools
We created an entirely bespoke feedback platform for NatWest Group. This was designed to fit their needs and to look and feel like a ‘house’ tool. Despite offering powerful functionality and complexity behind the scenes, it was important the tool be very quick and intuitive for end users. With this in mind, the system sends out prompts asking people if they’ve yet created an action plan, how they’re progressing with actions or asking whether they want to reprise the 360 process.
The evolution of 360 degree feedback at NatWest Group
As 360 degree feedback has become more embedded at NatWest Group, they’ve extended its use to a wider population. Significantly, they have also decoupled 360 feedback from the performance review cycle; so, for the vast majority of staff, feedback is used purely for development.
Our business psychologists have worked with NatWest Group to assist with the evolution of the programme. Their focus has been on ensuring it remains relevant, that it supports their business needs and that it reflects the latest best practice.
Feedback, on-demand
As part of their strategic focus on great leadership, NatWest Group has recently introduced a transformative leadership programme called ‘Determined to lead’. This encourages a continual approach to feedback and having quality conversations. The 360 feedback process is positioned to leaders as an enabler to having these kinds of conversations. As such, the feedback tool is accessible ‘on demand’ all year round, and self-registration means individuals can initiate the 360 feedback process themselves. All they need to do is first gain approval from their manager to cover the cost.
Questionnaire design
The content of the 360 questionnaire is fundamental to the success of the programme. Until recently, NatWest Group had two different behavioural competency frameworks: one for senior leaders, and one for all other employees. These were the basis of two 360 questionnaires.
In updating the programme, this was an area they reviewed, as Claire Smith, People Strategy & Insight Manager at NatWest Group, explains:
“Having two different frameworks implied different assessments and desired behaviours depending on peoples’ job level. On reflection, we felt this didn’t fit culturally with our value of working together and having a consistent measure. So we reworked this to have a single set of competencies or ‘standards’ as they’re known.”
To ensure alignment with the new unified standards, NatWest Group updated the 360 questions so the underpinning competencies and behavioural statements being measured are fit-for-purpose. Our business psychologists helped ensure each question led to one clear actionable behaviour that can be easily addressed.
Reporting power
The system allows different levels of reporting to support individual and team development and to provide business-wide insights.
For individuals, the reports are clearly structured with key information and there’s even a ready-made action plan included, which participants can discuss with managers and turn into a development plan. It’s designed to really encourage the individual to take responsibility for their own development.
Claire Smith explains:
“We wanted to make it easy for people to understand what the results are telling them and what they should do about it. That’s the principle that underpins the reports and guides people to make changes to affect behavioural change that will help both their own career development while also enabling us to serve our customers better.”
NatWestGroup also wanted to help managers to support teams and increase effectiveness. To this end, we devised short aggregate reports specifically for line managers. This gives them a great oversight of collective strengths and development areas across their team and a comparison of the team average and the company overall average.
Managers are encouraged to use the team reports in conjunction with the individual report – not instead of it. This way they can use the context of team results to better inform and coach their people.
