From time to time people ask us if we think 360 degree feedback is worth the investment and makes a difference.

'Not really,' we say, 'unless you do it properly.'

360 feedback isn't rocket science, and there's some great software out there to help with the administration (and we think ours is the best).

Getting people to give and receive constructive feedback about behaviour at work - now that's the tricky bit. And helping them to actually use the feedback isn't a walk-in-the-park, either.

But that's what doing it properly is all about.

So, long story short - we think there are four golden rules to getting it right.

Be absolutely clear about your objectives for 360 feedback

Get people motivated and skilled to give feedback

Keep it short, simple and easy to complete

Provide support for the people getting 360 feedback

The rest, as they say, will take care of itself.

(With a little help from us)